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.