CCDF, CDA, IMCPL, IRT, Non-cash Award, On My Way Pre-K, On the Road to Reading, Paths to QUALITY, Registered Ministry, VCP….. What does it all mean and how does it affect Beginnings and FBC?
When I arrived on the doorstep of FBC in October 2008, I had a dream/vision for Beginnings. I wanted Beginnings to become a Paths to QUALITY provider. Every state has a program to recognize quality preschool providers, and Indiana’s is Paths to QUALITY. It is a voluntary quality rating system that provides:
• An increase in quality care for all children
• A method for parents to make informed choices about child care
• Professional development opportunities for child care providers
So, I attended a Paths to QUALITY introduction and discovered that Beginnings first needed to become a Registered Ministry. My plan was put on the back burner because the FBC kitchen would not pass inspection.
Fast forward to Summer 2013. I had heard about United Way grants that could help Registered Ministries achieve Paths to QUALITY Level 1. So I investigated and met with an Early Childhood Project Manager from United Way. During our meeting I learned a great deal, including that the FBC kitchen did not have to pass any inspection since Beginnings does not cook meals.
So, we started our work. In the spring/summer of 2014, Beginnings applied for a United Way Grant, asked the FBC community to help raise money for our portion of the 80/20 grant (“Building Blocks for Success”), became a Registered Ministry with CCDF (Child Care Development Fund) status, and received the United Way grant. (CCDF is a federal program that assists low-income families, families receiving temporary assistance, and those transitioning from public assistance in obtaining child dare so they can work, attend training, or continue education.)
As part of the United Way grant, I attend monthly preschool directors’ meetings. Here I learned about
- On the Road to Reading service from IMCPL (Indianapolis Marion County Public Library),
- The IRT (Indiana Repertory Theatre) production of “The Velveteen Rabbit” and
- CDA classes for Beginnings staff.
During the school year, librarians visited once a month, bringing library books, stories and finger plays. An additional monthly bonus was a paperback book for each child to take home for his/her personal library. The IRT sent an artist to prepare the children for the production and for being an audience. Three staff enrolled in CDA (Child Development Associate) classes. Meeting for 3 hours a week over a 10 month commitment, the teachers/caregivers learn about child development, health, safety, nutrition, lesson plans, behavior, …. The teachers will be observed teaching at Beginnings, present a professional portfolio and are tested. All three of these opportunities were cost free to Beginnings.
In March 2015, Beginnings received an On My Way Pre-K grant for $4960, providing us with technology which will be used in the classrooms and for assessment purposes. All this time, Beginnings was working to meet the standards for Paths to QUALITY” Level 1…
• meet minimum health and safety standards
• develop and implement basic health and safety policies and procedures
and working ahead for Level 2
• provide an environment that is welcoming, nurturing and safe for the physical, emotional and social well-being of all children
• provide a variety of learning materials that reflect the age, interest and abilities of each child
• provide for children’s language and literacy skill development
• provide pertinent program information to families
• promote staff development and training
and for Level 3
• implement a planned curriculum that addresses the stages of child development
• demonstrate professional growth of Director and staff
• facilitate family and staff input into the program
• establish a strategic plan
With the completion of the renovation (United Way grant), Beginnings enrolled in Paths to QUALITY and received a $50 incentive (a large floor puzzle, a few books, and some musical instruments). In May 2015, Beginnings achieved Level 1 of Paths to QUALITY and a $7000 non-cash award which was used for new classroom furniture (10 shelves, 7 tables and numerous chairs for several classrooms which are appropriate height for the various ages, changing table, sensory table, dolls, a cubby unit and many, many manipulatives to fill our learning centers.) Beginnings also became VCP, a Voluntary Certification Program, and fencing (United Way) was installed around the large playground.
In mid-June 2015, Beginnings achieved Levels 2 and 3 of Paths to QUALITY and received a $1000 non-cash award which we will use for more classroom equipment and manipulatives. Attaining Level 3 enables us to enroll 4-year-olds for On My Way Pre-K, a state supported program for low-income families.
All of this means that FBC’s preschool and child care program, Beginnings, is recognized for the high quality of preschool and child care we provide. Beginnings is displayed on Child Care Answers’ and the Bureau of Child Care’s Carefinder websites.
Please contact me if you ever have any questions about the Beginnings program. Thank you for your continued support, prayers and gifts!
Blessings,
Carol Mann, Director of Beginnings