While 2009 high school graduates prepare for college classes and careers, 35 Childcare Resources' graduates are looking forward to the first day of Kindergarten.
One of Childcare Resources' main goals is to prepare children to start kindergarten ready to learn with their peers. Childcare Resources, a United Way agency, assists working parents by making quality childcare available at greatly reduced prices. The nonprofit organization currently contracts with seven outstanding childcare centers in Indian River County at which the 96 children in the program, aged birth to 5 years, attend.
Parents who are eligible for this program must work or attend school full time, meet income eligibility guidelines and reside in Indian River County. When in the program, parents must maintain employment or student status and participate in a variety of Childcare Resources activities throughout the school year. The organization insists on the highest quality from its contracting centers because that is what has a long term, positive impact on an at-risk child.
"Every parent deserves to be able to go to work each day knowing that their child is safe, happy and learning," says Rachael Moshman, Family Resources Coordinator at Childcare Resources. "We only contract with centers that are accredited with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)to help us ensure high quality experiences for the children. Parents are able to maintain steady employment and their children leave the program ready for kindergarten."
Accreditation with NAEYC consists of a rigorous preparation and implementation process that utilizes research-based childcare best practices, such as low student/teacher ratios; appropriate and nurturing curriculum; well-trained teachers and directors; adequate teacher compensation; parent-teacher conferences, and an open door policy.
"Many of the children who begin kindergarten without the requisite school readiness skills face steep learning hurdles that are difficult to overcome; too many children who start behind, stay behind," says Pam King, Childcare Resources Executive Director. "Exposure to quality early learning substantially improves a child's success in school. Childcare Resources is proud to give children the opportunity to start school ready. At the same time, their parents are hard working members of our community."
Parents in Childcare Resources' program hold a wide variety of professional skills and are employed throughout the local business community in retail, sales, hospitality, housekeeping, maintenance, healthcare, education and administrative support jobs. Childcare Resources also works with their families to create a stable home environment, offering free access to mental health professionals through a partnership with the Mental Health Association; one-on-one guidance and mentoring; parenting enrichment programs and workshops on topics like budgeting, discipline and safe childcare practices; a children's clothing closet; and assistance during the holidays.
Typical situation: A working family of five earning just over $37,000 annually makes too much to qualify for state and federally funded childcare subsidy programs, yet too little to afford childcare. The average weekly cost of full time childcare for an infant or toddler in Indian River County is $162.50 and for preschoolers is $127.50. Childcare would total $23,530 annually, leaving little for food, clothing, housing, transportation, etc. Childcare Resources helps families overcome these obstacles.
"Without Childcare Resources, I wouldn't be able to provide for my family," says Destiny's mom, a single parent of 5 who works full time as a restaurant server. "Being able to go to work knowing my child is safe and loved is so important. Childcare Resources has allowed me to give my family a stable home life."
"(Childcare Resources gave me) the ability to be a single parent, work and know that my child is being well taken care of and educated by the best," says Megan, whose son Patrick will begin Kindergarten this fall.
"Childcare Resources helped my family by helping us provide a great preschool experience for my son," says graduate Carter's mom, Sara, a full-time student. "He has grown so much this year and is ready for kindergarten. Having him in a safe, loving environment was so important to us. He reminds me all the time that the day after summer is over he is going to kindergarten!"
Parents also celebrate educational accomplishments with their children "With help from Childcare Resources, my son was able to attend preschool which allowed me to finish my AA degree," adds Sara. "I was able to take the classes I needed during the day and still be able to be home in the evenings with my family. I am so thankful for the help from Childcare Resources!" Other recent parent academic successes include earning GED's, RN degrees, Child Development Associate certifications, and many more.
Since its founding in 1994, more than 900 children have participated in Childcare Resources programs. The organization hosted the inaugural Touch A Truck Family Festival this year on March 28, bringing more than 3,000 children and families to explore trucks and vehicles and participate in a wide variety of family activities. Childcare Resources is also the proud recipient of the Agency Excellence Award 2001 and 2005 presented by the United Way of Indian River County.
To learn more, apply for assistance, support Childcare Resources or volunteer, call 772.567.3202 or visit
www.childcareresourcesir.org.