| About SKCDC |
|
Community and State Collaborations
Public Preschool Programs Together with Augusta , Monmouth, Mt. Vernon and Wayne Public Schools and Southern Kennebec Child Development Services, we have developed expanded preschool program opportunities for children, the year before they enter kindergarten, at the Gilbert and Hussey Elementary Schools in Augusta , the Mt. Vernon and Wayne Elementary Schools and, for Monmouth, at our Winthrop Head Start Program. The programs are designed to prepare four years olds for success in kindergarten and beyond. Family involvement and focus includes home visiting, parent conferences and monthly parent meetings.
New Adventures Early Head Start This program, developed in partnership with the Capital Area Vocational Center/Augusta Public Schools serves the infants and toddlers of parenting teens. Children receive comprehensive early care and education services while their parents pursue high school diplomas and train for jobs that will support their family’s self-sufficiency.
Services for Expectant Families We have joined with Kennebec Valley Community Action Program Healthy Families and the Maine Parent Federation Parents as Teachers, two community based home visiting programs, to provide education, support and encouragement to expectant parents to gain skills and use resources to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life. Enhancing parent/child relationships, ensuring healthy outcomes for children, promoting child growth and development, teaching problem solving skills, improving the family’s support system and establishing trusting and nurturing relationships are some of the goals of the program. Families access SKCDC’s full day programs, in multiple locations, for their babies, as parents pursue training or employment following the birth of their children.
HomeStart HomeStart, a partnership between SKCDC and the Family Child Care community, expands family access to comprehensive Head Start and Early Head Start services in full day, full year home settings while enhancing the quality of child care through training and support opportunities for family child care providers.
SKCDC’s programs serve as work sites for community programs such as Goodwill, ASPIRE (the State Welfare Training Program), the University of Maine-Augusta, the University of Maine-Farmington and area high school Child Development training programs. Approximately 24 student placements from the Capital Area Technical Center (CATC) Early Childhood Program participate in our classrooms annually.
Head Start, Early Head Start and HomeStart CDA Preparation Programs In collaboration with Child Care Options, staff and family child care providers participate in the CDA competency based training program. Staff and Providers participate in "Maine Roads to Quality" coursework and receive support and technical assistance as they gain the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully receive their CDA credential.
Caring for the Abuse Affected Child An interdisciplinary training project offered by SKCDC's Child Care Resource Development Center - Child Care Options, in collaboration with Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, Child Welfare and Mental Health Specialists. This multi-session, 18-hour training series has provided training to many of our staff over the years.
Foster Grandparents are working with Early Head Start and Head Start children in classrooms, offering a valuable generational experience for children and families.
The Nurturing Program A collaboration of community agencies including SKCDC has, since 1994, offered parenting education classes serving both parents and children. Financial support has been provided by the Department of Health & Human Services and from the Administration for Children and Families to continue and expand this successful initiative. In addition to offering the Nurturing Program for families with children ages 4-12, SKCDC added the Nurturing Program for Parenting Teens at New Adventures and, in 2006, was awarded a United Way grant to offer the Nurturing Program for families with children ages 0-5 years in collaboration with the Bread of Life Ministries Homeless Programs. SKCDC received the Community Organization Award from the Maine Children’s Trust in May 2005, recognizing the dedication to making the Nurturing Programs available to families .
Increasing Male Involvement (IMI) Since 1997, our Agency has worked to increase male involvement in the program. Focus groups, trainings and community events have heightened awareness and provided staff and parents with opportunities to establish goals and facilitate involvement of more men in Early Head Start/Head Start and in the lives of children. Staff and fathers have been recognized at the annual New England Fathering Conference as a program of strength. SKCDC participated in the weeklong National Fatherhood Institute in June 2005. Efforts and initiatives continue.
Family Activities in the Community SKCDC participates in A Day in the Park at Capital Park in Augusta , which is held annually in conjunction with two weeks of activities sponsored by the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce. This family day event is attended by hundreds of children and adults, many of whom are current or past Early Head Start or Head Start parents. The event provides opportunities to experience fun, family focused activities at no cost.
Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) In an effort to make WIC services more accessible for our families, we collaborate with HealthReach Network, providing space for a WIC clinic in one of our Child Development Centers.
Healthy Communities of the Capital Area – A Healthy Maine PartnershipSKCDC has collaborated with HCCA to create an environment that supports tobacco free families. Staff received training and parents participated in a work group to develop tobacco free information materials that will be used statewide. Currently an initiative is underway with SKCDC families and staff to improve access to and use of physical activity opportunities and more nutritious food options. Early Learning Opportunity Grant Kennebec/Somerset ACCESS (Alliance for Children’s Care, Education and Supporting Services), of which SKCDC is a partner, completed the activities of a 17 month Early Learning Opportunity Grant (ELOG) on February 27, 2005 SKCDC’s Resource Development Center was a key partner in this project and over the 17 month grant period achieved the following outcomes:
Kennebec/Somerset Alliance for Children’s Care, Education and Supporting Services (ACCESS) Collaborative SKCDC partners with area child care and family service agencies from Kennebec and Somerset Counties in cooperative efforts, including community assessment and child care program development. These efforts produced, in 2000, increased state funding for infant/toddler child care throughout this region and the state. The work of ACCESS continues, focusing on the need for quality improvement within child care programs in the areas of physical space, staff development, and services for children with disabilities.
Maine Association of Interdependent Neighborhoods (M.A.I.N.) SKCDC parents have participated as part of this statewide low-income group since 1985. M.A.I.N. meets regularly and sets legislative goals and priorities. SKCDC parents have testified at the legislature on numerous issues such as expanded health care for children, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families increases, and welfare reform. They have been involved in supporting efforts to increase parent access to health insurance, and in the promotion of legislation for early care and education programs. Board/Community InvolvementStaff and parents serve on local, regional and statewide Boards or Committees to advise and assist in the development and provision of services for children and families. Examples include:
For more information, please email us or call 626-3410 or toll-free 1-800-525-2229. |
| Head Start |
||
| Early Head |
||
| HomeStart |
||
| Child Care |
||
| Collaborations
|
||
| Employment Opportunities |
||
|
||
|
|
Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation |
|
