Video: Speaking Up About Early Childhood

Watch this short video about spreading the word about the importance of early childhood:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNZxL-J48Yw&list=UUVYldrv8gc5oMvH-FAPcffA

90% of a child's brain develops before age 5.

Strong families are the building blocks of a strong society.

40% of Arizona 4th graders are not reading at grade level. The best way to reverse this trend is to expose children to books before they enter kindergarten.

Critical skills like motivation, self-discipline, focus and self-esteem begin to take root from birth to five years old. Successful people share these traits and we must give children the tools to develop these essential skills.

Learning and sharing these messages will help make sure all Arizonans understand the critical importance of early childhood.

Video: Parents as Teachers in Yavapai County

Parents as Teachers is a free home visiting program for families with children ages five and under in Yavapai County. Check out a short video about it:





















https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHZnAhYoRzM&list=UUVYldrv8gc5oMvH-FAPcffA

Yavapai Media Hits: Mid-March to Late April 2014

Group uses Twitter to help prevent child abuse
March 26, 2014

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=129900

Public invited to Tuesday discussion on early childhood education
March 30, 2014

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=130081

Free books for kids at library on Monday
April 2, 2014

http://cvrnews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=58697&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=446&S=1

Verde Valley Healthy Families/Parents as Teachers promote early literacy, celebrate Dr. Seuss at hospital
April 6, 2014

http://verdenews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=59596&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1190&S=1

First Things First offers free books
April 9, 2014

http://pvtrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=74&SubSectionID=114&ArticleID=60626

For the Puppies
April 25, 2014

http://sallimaxwell.com/2014/04/25/for-the-puppies/

478 books distributed to young kids countywide
April 27, 2014

http://verdenews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=59987&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1190&S=1

Program Works with Libraries, Child Care Centers and Parents to Encourage Early Literacy



Youth Services Librarian Karen Mack provides early literacy

 tips to the parents of Sedona Head Start.

 

On Wednesday, April 23^rd, more than 30 parents of children enrolled in Sedona Head Start attended an early literacy event at the Sedona Public Library. The event celebrated Sedona Head Start’s participation in Raising a Reader, a program that works with child care centers and preschools to encourage parents to read to their children every day. Raising a Reader is a program of Yavapai College funded by First Things First in the Yavapai region.

Raising a Reader works like a mobile library. Each week, the 36 children between the ages of three to five years old at Sedona Head Start bring home red bags filled with books to read with their families, and exchange the books for new ones the following week. After doing this for about 15 weeks, Sedona Head Start will have a celebration in which all participating children will receive a free book and their very own blue book bag. Families are encouraged to use the blue book bag to continue bringing books home from the public library.

The majority of families in at the Sedona Library Raising a Reader event were Spanish speaking. With the help of a translator, Carolyn Shelley, Coordinator of Raising a Reader, spoke to the families about the importance of reading to children. “Reading is a great bonding activity, and strengthens the important relationship between you and your child” said Shelley. “It also supports children’s brain development, helping them get ready for school. Just 10 minutes of reading every day is enough to make a big difference.”

Youth Services Librarian Karen Mack also taught parents tips for reading to their young kids, including asking questions about pictures and characters, pointing to words, and having an enthusiastic attitude about books. A parent’s eagerness to read, Mack said, teaches kids that reading is valuable and fun. 

The Sedona Public Library is dedicated to reaching out to and supporting Sedona’s Spanish-speaking families, and has recently hired Pam Espinosa as their new Latino Services Librarian.  At the event, Espinosa made sure all families knew that Sedona Public Library is open to everyone. “The community of Sedona cares for you and your family’s wellbeing,” said Espinosa. After the event, Espinosa gave families a tour of the library and invited them to obtain a library card for each member of the family.

By encouraging parents to read more to their children and providing resources to help them do so, Raising a Reader, Sedona Head Start, and the Sedona Public Library are working to make sure all young children in Sedona are learning, ready to read and prepared to succeed. 

 

Raising a Reader is a program of Yavapai College funded by First Things First in the Yavapai Region. For more information about Raising a Reader, please contact Carolyn Shelley at (928) 776-2245.

 

‘The Dance of Empathy’ Empowers Peer Supporters of New Moms

“We can gain deeper understanding and connection to our own experience when receiving empathy,” said Devin McKinley, speaking at “The Dance of Empathy,” a free workshop put on by Step Up for Kids at the Prescott Public Library. “The act of receiving empathy can be a bridge to connect us to our soul’s deeper longings.”



Participants share their stories at “The Dance of Empathy” workshop

“The Dance of Empathy” was organized to give participants the tools to strengthen their capacity to empathize with others, especially new mothers.

When new moms feel supported, babies do better. Through a Mom-to-Mom peer support program, Step Up for Kids connects new moms with experienced moms so that new mothers can receive the empathy, nonjudgmental listening ear and practical support they need during their first few months of motherhood. “The Dance of Empathy” workshop helped current and potential mom-to-mom peer supporters strengthen their ability to support new moms.

At the workshop, Devin McKinley, Postpartum Support Specialist and Step Up for Kids Board Member, opened a discussion on the vocabulary of empathy, helping participants to explore words describing emotions, needs and desires. McKinley then led the group through an ‘exercise in empathy’ in which individual participants shared personal stories and others in the group practiced asking questions using empowering and empathy-related terms.

“This helped me practice a new way of thinking to improve my empathy skills,” said Colleen Reckrow, speaking after the workshop. “This will strengthen my ability to reach out to other moms.”

Kylea Wise, a single mother who recently moved to Prescott, also attended the workshop. She expressed her appreciation for the supportive environment Step Up for Kids cultivates. “I didn’t have a community of other moms until I moved to Prescott,” Wise said. “All moms need this.”

Step Up for Kids is all about supporting new moms, and holds workshops on a monthly basis. The next one will be held on April 22^nd from 1:30 PM – 3 PM at the Elsea Room in the Prescott Public Library. Anyone interested in joining the Step Up for Kids network of moms and mom-supporters is welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Salli Maxwell at sallimaxwell@gmail.com.

Free Classes Educate and Support Caregivers of Young Kids

On a sunny April morning at the Dr. Daniel Bright School community room in Cottonwood, a group of lively ladies met for their weekly class about early childhood health, development and education. In front of them was an array of very realistic plastic food. Their task was to make a balanced meal with the items they had. This week’s topic? Nutrition.

This class is part of a 14-week series called the Arizona Kith and Kin Project, a program of the Association for Supportive Child Care (ASCC) that is funded by First Things First in Yavapai County. The series is designed for any person that cares for a young child in their home, including parents, neighbors, family and friends. The class is completely free and includes free child care.

 



Francine Loper talks about portion control at the Arizona Kith and Kin class in Cottonwood.

 

The Kith and Kin project is designed to support caregivers help young children grow, learn and develop. Since 90% of a child’s brain develops before the age of five, the experiences that kids have in their early years lay the foundation for a lifetime. The interactions young children have with their parents and caregivers are the most important to their development.

The class in Cottonwood is taught by Francine Loper of ASCC. “This is the only time it’s ok to play with your food,” joked Loper as the participants created their ‘meals’ and discussed the nutritional value of the food in front of them. The nutrition class also covered topics such as portion sizes for young children, making grocery lists, healthy and unhealthy fats, limiting sugar, hydration, and much more. Active discussion, laughter, and recipe sharing was welcomed throughout.

The class series also covers topics such as brain development, positive communication, positive discipline, health and safety, and CPR. At the end of each class, participants receive free equipment related to the topic they covered that day, including car seats, cribs, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms.

The classes are getting raving reviews.

“It’s a great class to help adults who care for children.” said Marina Interiano. “I leave each day knowing things I never knew before. I feel like I’m more capable of caring for children and knowing what they need, and helping them grow and learn.”

 “I took this class because I want to help my girls grow, to understand children’s development and learn appropriate discipline techniques,” said Maria Marquez, mother of twin girls with special needs.

 “Caring for children is not about ‘watching’ children,” added Miriam Martinez. “We have an active role in their development.”

By taking part in the Arizona Kith and Kin project, parents and caregivers are gathering the knowledge they need to nurture the learning of all young children in their care.

The Arizona Kith and Kin Project is funded by First Things First in the Yavapai Region. For more information about future classes, please contact Francine Loper at (928) 714-1716.

 

Family Event Promotes Early Literacy, Celebrates Dr. Seuss

About 90% of the brain develops in the first five years of life. The job of getting children ready for school starts the day that they’re born. During these early years, one of the best ways to make sure kids have the skills they need to succeed in school is to read to them every day.

On March 18, 2014, the Verde Valley Healthy Families program and the Parents as Teachers program held a family playgroup focused on early literacy. To celebrate the birthday of well-known and loved author Dr. Seuss, the event featured activities and decorations related to Dr. Seuss’s most famous stories. Special guest Mayor Diane Joens attended to see the two programs in action.

Verde Valley Healthy Families is a free home visitation program for families with children ages five and under, and is housed in the Verde Valley Medical Center. Parents as Teachers is a free home visitation program of Arizona’s Children Association that also serves families with young children prenatally to age five. Both are funded by First Things First, the voter-created organization that works to make sure all kids in Arizona are healthy and ready for school. Through these home visitation programs, families receive visits every two weeks from a family support specialist, who partners with them to make sure their young child is healthy, growing and learning. Every month, the programs team up and organize a playgroup so their families can meet, learn and socialize.

“I like that these playgroups offer my son the chance to build his social skills,” said Nici Campbell, mother of 17-month old son, Jaxson, speaking at the Dr. Seuss event. “It’s also helpful for us parents to have the opportunity to meet and share ideas.”



Mayor Diane Joens and Susan Lacher of Verde Valley Healthy Families help

18-month old Matthew Evans “fish for a book” at the Dr. Seuss family playgroup

Erica Evans, who came to the Dr. Seuss playgroup with her 18-month old son Matthew, appreciated that the event was focused on early literacy. “I’m a fanatic reader,” said Evans. Her son, she said, is becoming one too. “We read every night together,” she said. “When he wants to read, Matthew already knows how to pull a book off the shelf and hand it to me.”

Reading aloud to children builds critical skills such as focus, vocabulary, knowledge and critical thinking. By encouraging families to read to their young children as much as possible, Verde Valley Healthy Families and Parents as Teachers are working to support healthy, growing, imaginative, and school-ready minds.

Verde Valley Healthy Families and Parents as Teachers are free programs for families with children ages five and under and are funded by First Things First. For more information about Verde Valley Healthy Families, please contact Susan Lacher at (928) 639-6566. For more information about Parents as Teachers, a program of Arizona’s Children Association, please contact Rainee Crabtree at (928) 443-1991 X 2021.

 



Yavapai Media Hits: late January to mid-March

Professionals Collaborate to Strengthen the Early Childhood System

SERVE Yavapai Blog

January 31, 2014

http://arizonaserve.org/blog/2014/2/3/professionals-collaborate-to-strengthen-the-early-childhood-system

 

Yavapai Regional Partnership Council Members Sought

The Sedona Eye

February 1, 2014

http://sedonaeye.com/yavapai-regional-partnership-council-members-sought

 

2014 Big and Little Kids Book Available

The Sedona Eye

February 2, 2014

http://sedonaeye.com/2014-big-and-little-kids-book-available

 

Prescott Area Young Professionals names 8 Visionary Award Winners

The Daily Courier

February 2, 2014

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=128051&SectionID=260&SubSectionID=1148&S=1

 

2014 Big and Little Kids Book available soon across the county

The Daily Courier

February 2, 2014

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=128056&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1086&S=1

 

Board member seats available for First Things First Council

YCESA Newsletter

February 3, 2014

http://www.ycesa.com/files/February%202014%20newsletter%20v.2.pdf

 

First Things First seeks applicants for Yavapai Regional Partnership Council

The Daily Courier

February 10, 2014

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=128056&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1086&S=1

 

First Things First seeks applicants

Prescott Valley Tribune

February 12, 2014

http://pvtrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=74&SubSectionID=114&ArticleID=60196

 

‘Circle of Security’ strengthens parent-child relationships

Daily Courier

February 17, 2014

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=128605&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1086&S=1

 

Arizona early childhood education conference in Clarkdale

Verde Independent

February 20, 2014

http://verdenews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=58832&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1190&S=1

 

Group invites partners to work together to improve outcomes for young children

Verde Independent

February 25, 2014

http://verdenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=58928

 

First Things First seeks volunteers

Prescott Valley Tribune

February 5, 2014

http://pvtrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=74&SubSectionID=114&ArticleID=60376

Family Event Focuses On Food and Fitness for Young Kids

Good health habits start early. To make sure young kids have the tools they need to grow up healthy, it is important that parents have the information they need to make the best choices for their family.



Joanne Makielsky speaks to parents about nutrition and fitness  at the February playgroup

On Tuesday, February 18^th, families came together to learn about food and fitness at a playgroup organized by Verde Valley Healthy Families and Parents as Teachers, which are both free home visiting programs for families with children ages five and under and funded by First Things First. Through these programs, families receive visits from a home visitor, who partners with them to support the health and development of their young child by providing information, activities, and referral to other community resources. Families are also invited to monthly playgroups like this one where they can learn and socialize.

There’s a reason the programs both focus on the early years. “90% of a child’s brain connections are made before the age of five,” said Susan Lacher, Supervisor of Verde Valley Healthy Families, a program of the Verde Valley Medical Center. “The experiences parents provide and the habits they teach during this time are laying the foundation for their child’s future.” 

At the February playgroup, held at the Verde Valley Baptist Church, Lacher invited Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Joanne Makielsky to lead a discussion with parents about early childhood nutrition. Makielsky works with Fit Kids, a program of the Verde Valley Medical Center that works to prevent and treat obesity in children. As the children ran and played nearby, parents learned tips on infant, toddler and preschool-age nutrition, what foods to encourage and avoid, and how to teach their kids healthy eating and fitness habits.

Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers, and Makielsky said that children learn their health behaviors by watching their parents. She urged parents to make fitness and healthy eating a whole-family matter. ““We all want to support the early health of children,” Malkielsky said. “Health habits start early, and parents are children’s most important role models.”

 

Verde Valley Healthy Families and Parents as Teachers are free programs for families with children ages five and under and are funded by First Things First. For more information about Verde Valley Healthy Families, please contact Susan Lacher at (928) 639-6566. For more information about Parents as Teachers, a program of Arizona’s Children Association, please contact Rainee Crabtree at (928) 443-1991 X 2021.

 

‘Circle of Security’ Strengthens Parent-Child Relationships

Raising a child is a parent’s most important job, and as any parent or caregiver knows, it can also be the most challenging. Each child has unique personality traits, needs and wants. However, there is one thing that all children need regardless of their differences: a safe and nurturing relationship with their parents or caregivers.

In Yavapai County, a free parenting class called “Circle of Security” focuses on this important relationship. The class, taught by Early Childhood Mental Health Specialists Anjaneane Knudsen, Leah May and Laura Crimmins, has been made free to parents and caregivers of young children through a grant from First Things First. Participants attend the class over several consecutive weeks for a total of twelve hours. Through the class, parents learn about child development, attachment, discipline, and building their relationship with their child. They also get the opportunity to connect with each other. To make sure the class environment feels safe, confidential and comfortable, the class capacity is set at 15 people.  

Early Childhood Mental Health Experts Leah May and Anjaneane Knudsen
lead a discussion during “Circles of Security”, a free parenting class

Research has demonstrated the benefits of a secure relationship between parent and child. Children with a secure relationship with their parents have better friendships, higher self-esteem, and better problem solving skills. They are also more likely to trust their parents and turn to parents in times of trouble.

‘Circle of Security’ came highly recommended to Lillian and James, a couple who will soon be adopting their two grandnephews. “We’re taking this class so that we can better recognize their wants and needs,” said James. “We would also like to learn communication techniques and better forms of discipline.”

Colleen Reckrow, who has a young son, said that her husband raved about this class when he took it last year. “I’m here to learn how to better connect with my son, read his emotions and help him to handle his feelings,” said Colleen. She also said she was looking forward to connecting and learning with other parents in the area.

Children learn about the world through their relationship with their parents, and it is also through this relationship that children learn to behave. Through Circle of Security, parents are given the opportunity to reflect on the way they were raised and how this affects the way that they parent their own children. With this awareness, and by forming stronger, more nurturing relationships with their children, parents can help their kids grow into healthy, confident and competent adults of the future. 

For more information about Circle of Security, please contact Anjaneane Knudsen at 928-925-5130. To find other parenting education classes near you, please visit ParentsAZ.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early Childhood Expert Offers Insight on Teaching Kids Critical Skills

On Tuesday, January 28^th at the Yavapai College Prescott campus, dozens of Yavapai College students, early childhood professionals and interested community members came together for a workshop presented by Jenna Bilmes, author of Beyond Behavior Management: The Six Life Skills Children Need. Bilmes, who also works as an instructional designer and early childhood consultant, spoke to the group about the impact the first five years have in determining the health, wellbeing, and future success of a child.

Early childhood is a rapidly developing field of research. “Decades ago, people weren’t as conscious of children’s needs as we are today,” said Bilmes.

Now, we know 90% of a child’s brain develops before the age of five. Critical skills like motivation, self-esteem, focus and self-discipline take root in these early years. Since successful people share these traits, children must be given the tools and experiences to develop these skills.  During her talk, Bilmes focused on the many ways adults can support children to develop the six social and emotional skills they need for life: attachment (relationship-building), belongingness, self-regulation, collaboration, contribution to others and adaptability. 

In order to build these skills, Bilmes said that the first and most important thing children need is a positive, loving relationship with parents and caregivers.  Relationships are the foundation upon which children develop, learn and grow. “Kids do better with adults that like them,” said Bilmes. “Your attention is the highest encouragement young children can receive.”

Author and Early Childhood Expert Jenna Bilmes

presenting at the Yavapai College Campus in Prescott

 

Bilmes also talked about dealing with children’s behavioral problems. Being a mother of two boys, Bilmes knows from experience that discipline can be one of the trickiest parts of caring for kids. “Relationship building is the best way to prevent behavior problems and improve children’s behavior,” she said. Bilmes also encouraged her audience to look for the causes of a child’s actions. “Children are not ‘being bad’ to make your life miserable,” Bilmes said. “Their behavior is trying to communicate something.”

Bilmes also said that it is important for adults to model positive behavior around children, teach them words to label their emotions, and teach them effective ways to cope with their feelings. “If we help kids get the skills they need, we don’t have to punish them for not having the skills they need,” Bilmes said. “We owe children love and acceptance.  That doesn’t mean that they do everything right, but they deserve what they need to learn and grow to their potential.”

This workshop was organized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Future Teacher’s Club at Yavapai College. For more information about the club and future events, please contact LeAnne Lawhead at Leanne.lawhead@yc.edu.

 

Professionals Collaborate to Strengthen the Early Childhood System

As any parent knows, it takes a lot to raise a child, and every child has unique needs.  Helping a child grow, learn, and stay healthy is a parent’s most important job. Fortunately, there are many programs available to support strong families.



Professionals and community members meet at the Yavapai County

building in Cottonwood to discuss the  local early childhood system

 

It is important that all of these services work together to create a seamless system of support for families raising young children. That’s why Charla Boley, AmeriCorps VISTA with First Things First, held a meeting for organizations to network, share, and discuss how they can collaborate to best support the needs of young children in the Verde Valley area.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, January 29^th at the County Building in Cottonwood, was attended by 30 early childhood professionals and community members, including representatives from Yavapai County Community Health Services, Buena Vista Children’s Services, First Things First, area preschools, faith communities, South West Human Development, Verde Valley Guidance Clinic, Arizona’s Children Association, Yavapai College, and DES. Participants shared their visions and goals for their work in the community, and discussed ways that they could work together.

“My vision is to better inform the community about the importance of social and emotional development in young children,” said Virginia Hout, supervisor of Smart Support, an early childhood mental health program. “If children don’t build these skills early, the academic skills they need later won’t follow.”  

The group agreed that networking and sharing meetings like this one are critical for professionals working to effectively support early childhood health and development. “It’s great to look around and see people on the same team, working to strengthen the early childhood system,” said Erin Mabery of Buena Vista Children’s Services.

“I’m glad we’re here to learn about available resources so that we can share them with parents to help strengthen families and keep children safe,” said Kenya Hernandez of DES, who is also a parent of two young children.

This is the first of a series of meetings to support collaboration in the early childhood health and education community. Any interested parent, organization, or community member is welcome to attend. To receive information about future meetings, please contact Charla Boley of First Things First at (928)-776-0062.

 

 

Yavapai Media Hits: December 2013 and January 2014

The Making of a Preschool

Camp Verde Bugle: January 11, 2014

http://www.cvbugle.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=41045

 

Free Local Parenting Classes

The Sedona Eye: December 15, 2013

http://sedonaeye.com/free-local-parenting-classes

 

Raising a Reader: Library Program Helps Parents

Camp Verde Bugle: December 17, 2013

http://cvbugle.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=40808

 

Lawmaker wants to re-route early childhood development for foster care program

Verde Independent: January 4, 2013

http://www.verdenews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=57992&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1189&S=1

 

Editorial: Don't 'sweep' CPS issue away

Daily Courier: January 6, 2014

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=1118&ArticleID=127085

 

Child protection should be at front of Legislature's collective mind

Prescott Valley Tribune: January 8, 2014

http://pvtrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=764&ArticleID=59945

 

CPS should be at front of Legislature's mind

Chino Valley Review: January 8, 2014

http://cvrnews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=58278&SectionID=36&SubSectionID=714&S=1

The 2014 ‘Big and Little Kids Book’ Arrives

On Thursday, January 23^rd, a truck carrying hundreds of boxes the new 2014 ‘Big and Little Kids Books’ rolled in to Prescott. The Big and Little Kids Book, a free countywide resource guide for families in Yavapai County, is created and funded through a partnership between the Yavapai County Community Foundation (YCCF) and First Things First.

 



Paul ‘Bulldog’ Hines and Jake of the Prescott Valley Canine Unit

pose with a copy of the 2014 Big and Little Kids Book

Luckily for Tracey McConnell of YCCF and Cindy Pemberton of First Things First, who coordinate the distribution of the books, the Prescott Valley Canine Unit, Prescott Police Department, and Cottonwood Police Department lent a hand (or, in some cases, a paw) to help unload the 15,000 books into the storage unit they would be kept it before being distributed. “We jump at the opportunity to lend a hand to YCCF. It’s our way to give back a little to those who give so much. The relationship we have is truly unique,” said Sergeant Jeff Hemphill of the Prescott Police Department.



 

This is the fifth year that YCCF and First Things First have partnered in the creation of the Big and Little Kids Book, which has become an important resource to communities across the county. “It’s been a tremendously well-received resource guide,” said Cindy Pemberton of First Things First. “Families need to know about the variety of programs and services available for children across Yavapai County. It’s also a great guide for local businesses and service agencies.”

 



The books are now being delivered to 240 locations across the county, including schools, public libraries, social service organizations and medical facilities. Families are welcomed to pick up a copy at any of these locations. The book is also available online at yavapaikidsbook.org

 

 

Top-Notch Child Care in Prescott

The Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center Gives Children a Solid Foundation for Success

 



Like any dedicated parent, Monique Norwood is determined to provide the best for her 20-month-old daughter, Charlotte.  Norwood, who currently works full-time as a hairdresser, is also putting herself through the nursing program at Yavapai College. As a single mother, balancing all this can be tough. “My life revolves around my daughter,” said Norwood. “I want to better myself so that I can give her the best.”

Five months ago, Norwood looked into child care options for Charlotte during the times she worked and attended class. She had heard great things about the Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center (FEC), a child care center conveniently located on the Yavapai College campus, but she also knew there was a long waiting list. So she dropped by to put in an application.



Charlotte , pictured at the Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center

 

Lucky for her, that day, there just happened to be an opening for Charlotte. Furthermore, Vickey LaMotte, the director of FEC, also told Norwood that she qualified for an available child care scholarship from First Things First, which would pay for a large portion of Charlotte’s tuition. Norwood was ecstatic.

“I understand the critical importance of the early years, and I’m grateful that Charlotte has the opportunity to attend the FEC” said Norwood. “I’ve seen the difference between children who attend quality preschool and those that don’t. Kids that go to preschool have better social skills and problem solving skills.”

Norwood is especially grateful for the scholarship Charlotte was awarded. “It’s made my life less stressful,” she said. “This way, I don’t have to borrow money to pay for Charlotte’s care while I work and study.”

Norwood is constantly impressed by the quality education Charlotte is receiving at the FEC. She also appreciates the low child-to-teacher ratios, which ensure that her daughter gets the attention she needs to thrive. “This isn’t a day care- it’s a school,” said Norwood. “The teachers are highly knowledgeable and communicative with parents. All children learn differently, and the teachers know how to teach children based on their individual strengths.”  Each day, the teachers send Charlotte home with an overview of what she did and learned that day. “When Charlotte learns something new, the teachers are as excited as I am!” said Norwood.

Charlotte has learned a great deal at the FEC, and Norwood knows that the foundation she is building now will help her succeed for the rest of her life. “This is giving her a head start,” said Norwood. “By the time she reaches kindergarten, she’ll know what to expect, how to listen, and how to be a student. I believe she’ll be ready for anything that comes her way.”

The Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center (FEC) is a high-quality early learning program located on the Yavapai College campus in Prescott. It is also enrolled in Quality First, a First Things First quality improvement program for child care centers and preschools. To learn more about the FEC, please visit www.yc.edu/FEC