Child Care Providers and their families share the love and care of our children. Parents wouldn’t be able to work and consequently provide for their children without the services of child care providers. I know this because I used a family child care home and they were part of the security we provided for our child. She became a great adult because she had access to quality care reinforcing her parents’ rearing choices. I found it very interesting a few months ago when I learned that the first person parents turn to for advice after their own family members is their child care provider. It is a big responsibility and a good provider is always prepared to answer questions about health, behavior and diet. To that end, the DNCCC has had a very busy but fulfilling year. Through generous funding from the Children & Families Commission, the Child Development Policy Institute, the Child Care Initiative Project and our local Planning Council we were able to offer not only a rich and diverse training year but also pay providers to attend!

In the area of parent support, we have begun Parent Education classes located in the new Family Resource Center. This new series is staffed and supported by state Child Abuse Prevention funds from the County Department of Health & Social Services. Our Toy Lending Library has recently added new materials through funding from Children & Families Commission and the Local Planning Council. We continue to have free parent & child hours as well as activity days in the Toy Room. The Holiday Open House on the 18th is another opportunity for parents to connect with their kids and have fun. Our staff is always willing to take calls and make referrals to assist parents’ efforts to provide the best possible family environment for their children. Please call us to find out about any of these services (464-8311)