Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
In the first five years of life, a child in full time care will spend 13,000 hours in care. Educators, policy makers and parents are concerned about the quality of this time because the first three to five years of a child’s brain development form a crucial foundation for later development. Research also shows the quality of child care influences how well children will do in school later on -- both academically and socially.

Response:
Iowa State University Extension, in partnership with the Jones County Child Care Resource Coalition, through funding by Jones County Empowerment focused on increasing quality of child care through the following strategies during the past year: •Educational classes for providers emphasizing quality care -Class series included ECERS-R, PITC, BKC, and ChildNet -11 single session classes

•Payment of stipends for participating in class series, providing free flu and Hepatitis B shots, partial payment of CPR/First Aid classes, and gift cards for becoming registered

•Awarding mini-grants to improve the educational environment

•Establishing a provider support group for networking.

•Adding new items to the Lending Library of educational items.

Impact:
In a survey conducted by ISU Extension in spring 2009, providers were asked to share their experiences as a result of participating in classes, using the lending library, or receiving a mini-grant. Surveys were sent to 40 registered home providers and 80 center providers with responses received from 29. All providers indicated that they were able to make positive changes in their child care as a result of participating in classes. Providers shared the following about their experiences with the classes:

•Updated files with necessary information.

•Out of every class you can learn something.

•Brought back many good ideas and suggestions

•You always pick up something new or a different way to do something. Mini-grants totaling $15,920 were awarded to 11 home providers and 8 centers.

Providers shared that the mini-grants benefited them in these ways:

•My teachers can now do more science activities and have a listening center. •Science, music, and book items help us reach our IQPPS goals.

•Made program safe and per best practices.

•We were able to purchase new equipment we wouldn’t have been able to afford on our own.

•We are making a natural outdoor playscape. Over the year 20 different home providers and 6 centers used 169 items from the lending library. One provider shared that she had benefited very much from the lending library. By trying new items from the lending library she’s been able to see how the children interact with the items and if it would be something she would want to purchase. She said she likes being able to bring new items to the childcare setting to see their excitement with quality educational items. Another provider said the lending library is a way to further education to our center especially since they do not have the finances to purchase all these items. The lending library allows them to expand the resources available to the children. Another major accomplishment has been the addition of 13 newly registered home providers during the fiscal year.

Additional Team Members or Community Partners:
Julie Orris, Childcare Resource Coordinator; Jones County Childcare Resource Coalition, Jones County Empowerment

Contact:
Phyllis Zalenski
Jones County Extension
605 E Main Street
Anamosa, IA 52205
319-462-2791