SPRING 1999

In this issue   Fire Service Institute helps rural areas find water supplies for firefighting   Child Care That Works lives up to its name   Commercials win award   Extension, community colleges take on Y2K   Study builds bridges between business, environment   Certificate program designed to fit John Deere   Volunteers key to Citizens Advisory Council   1999 Iowa 4-H Youth Conference   Did you know Extension did that?   Farm economy: Take positive approach to find solutions __________ The Extension Connection Spring 1999 homepage

"Child Care That Works" lives up to its name Iowa's parents, child care providers and community leaders are singing the praises of "Child Care That Works," an Iowa State University Extension program dedicated to improving child care. Ann Trullinger of the Iowa Department of Human Services said ISU Extension staff have repeatedly "come to the rescue" of struggling rural-community child care facilities, offering care-provider training and support that "give children a hands-on learning environment while keeping them healthy and safe." In fact, a board member of one such preschool said, "Our facility is much better now. The children are having so much fun." Trullinger added that the program also benefits local economies by helping to keep jobs -and young families - in rural areas. Melinda Hunter, whose two children attend the Kidsville Early Learning Center in Independence, said, "The training ISU Extension provided Kidsville staff really made a difference. My children have benefited immensely. They're more socially mature and independent." Independence parent Amy McGraw said she depends on ISU Extension's many publications that cover child care concerns specific to each developmental stage. "And ISU Extension staff are involved in the learning center in so many ways; they help the care providers improve the care my child receives," she added. Through Child Care That Works, ISU Extension distributes handbooks, newsletters and publications on playground safety, discipline, nutrition and many other topics to child care and preschool employees and parents. Extension also offers workshops and video self-study packets to care providers statewide. Extension has • helped establish or strengthen 191 new early childhood centers and family child care programs, • helped nearly 10,000 child care providers improve their skills through self-study video programs, workshops, or trainings and • worked closely with agency officials and community leaders to organize local discussions about child care needs in rural areas. To learn more about Child Care That Works, contact any ISU Extension county office.