MONTGOMERY-The Alabama Department of
Human Resources (DHR) has been awarded a grant by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
(WKKF) to help expand high-quality early learning opportunities for young
infants and toddlers by providing core operating support for the Early Head
Start Child-Care Partnership (EHS-CCP). The $750,000 grant will be used to
improve the quality of services for children in licensed programs in Alabama.
The EHS-CCP Program will serve 100% of families through the EHS-CCP
Partnerships in center-based and family child care program options.
The WKKF funds will help to build the
capacity of the existing 8 EHS-CCP Partners. The funding will assist in areas
to strengthen their knowledge and implementation of the EHS standards. Intensive
support and training is needed to assure that these family home providers meet
all EHS requirements and professional development standards.
“It’s important that children receive
quality care in child care centers and homes,” stated DHR Commissioner Nancy
Buckner. “The Kellogg Foundation grant
will help assure quality child care by funding additional comprehensive
services that were not budgeted or planned for and are being identified in
areas such as health, safety and mental health needs.“
An additional challenge to be
addressed by the grant is the implementation of a comprehensive and reliable
statewide self-assessment of the EHS-CCP Program. WKKF funds will help to
ensure quality service delivery to children and their families who are
participating in the EHS-CCP Program.
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The Alabama
Department of Human Resources Child Care Services Division is the state’s Child Care and
Development Fund administrator, responsible for the child care subsidy program
and quality initiatives. In addition, the Division is also responsible for
monitoring and licensing child care centers for compliance with minimum
standards.
The W.K. Kellogg
Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an
independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer, Will Keith
Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States.
Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive,
WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so
they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.
The
Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek,
Mich., and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as
with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to priority places where there
are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers
to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New
Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. For more
information, visit www.wkkf.org.
Contact: Barry Spear @ (334) 242-1850