July/August,  2010

Letter From The Executive Director,   Natalie Avery

State of the Agency Address

We all know that times are difficult right now.  The economy is slow and not all Providers have children to care for.  Like most other businesses, Neighborhood Child Care is having to “tighten the belt” in order to ensure our longevity also.  You will see some changes: when you call in there may be a different voice to greet you; when you come in, all of the same faces may not be here to help you. This means we will be working harder and more creatively to service you better.  We will work harder to enhance our environment so it is more conducive to learning when you attend classes. 

And speaking of attending classes. . . we offer a variety of classes which are scheduled for your convenience:  Week nights, Weekends, Super Saturdays, Super Wednesdays, CDA classes and support groups, NAFCC classes and support groups.

However, as we enter the third quarter of the year, some Providers have not yet taken advantage of the educational piece that we offer.

As our funders have covered the expense of these classes, most of the classes offered are free and will enhance the quality of your Family Child Care Home Business. 

As we move forward in this fiscal year, NCCI is planning to offer classes through the Board of Health, WVIZ, PEP, and DECA. 

Look for flyers about these classes, call Terri our receptionist about the dates to register, or we will call you to register. 

We look forward to seeing you here!

Meeting requirements before the deadline

          It is imperative you stay on top of your compliances.  When you call the office at the last minute needing a class or something, we cannot always accommodate you.  Planning ahead helps keep you in compliance.

Care For Kids

          Some Providers have signed up for the Care For Kids Program.   This program offers a Quality Enhancement piece to what you already do.  It is a good program to be involved in.  It is voluntary and it does mean you have to open your doors to people coming into your home.   Some Providers have signed up the this program, but will not allow our Field Reps access to their homes and programs.  Our funding   depends on Providers who have improved and maintained such a quality level of education and care that they have achieved a Gold Seal rating through Invest In Children and Starting Point.  The County Commissioners have had so much faith in the quality of early childhood education that they supported legislation that allowed all Providers to participate in improving their child care homes (CFK), their programs (NAFCC), and themselves (CDA).  It is up to each person to decide whether they will remain in one place or move forward.  I encourage any Provider who Cares For Kids to participate in one of the programs we have available.  Here at NCCI, we plan to move forward.

I realize that summer is more than half over.  It is almost time to get the children ready to go back to school.  Where has the time gone?  Neighborhood is planning a Cookout for all Providers and families one evening near the end of September.  No date has been chosen yet.   Look for our flyers about this event.