1998 Success Stories

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Date: Wed Apr 8 17:55:12 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: moore
Person Reporting: Karen M. Wicker

The 4-H School Age Child Care program presented its fourth annual program to providers on school age child violence and substance abuse workshop. The purpose of the program is to increase knowledge and awareness of child care providers of potential abuse, violence and neglect with the families they
serve. Another objective is to become more aware of resources available to assist with concerns and issues related to violence and abuse.

After the workshop one provider wrote the local chief of police, who was a presenter to let him know that he was "informative and interersting", that she felt "he should be commended for giving of his time and that of his officers"
She reports feeling more comfortable with this topic and assured of the assistance she could receive with dealing with this.

another satisfied customer......

Date: Tue Jun 23 10:49:41 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: robeson
Person Reporting: Tammy Tanner

Quality child care has been identified as a top priority in Robeson County. When local day care providers were informed of the new rules and regulations for playground safety, they were concerned about how they would be able to afford the equipment. Over 50 daycare providers were trained in playgound safety, child development issues and the importance of play to meet the qualifications and guidlines to receive funding from the local partnership for children (Smart Start) office. A total of $100,000 was allocated for these centers to purchase equipment.
Date: Fri Jun 26 14:08:16 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: burke
Person Reporting: Spring Williams

As a result of the ASQ grant of $12,000 received in Burke County, Burke County 4-H has been able to utilize some of the money to improve the lives of the young people in after school care in the Family Home provider settings. Through this grant we have provided training to family home providers in 27 different sites around the region. The participants received credit hours for licensing, new curriculum, and new skills to utilize in their centers. Trainings also resulted in 20 new spots for school-age children in home day cares and improved the daycare experience for more than 215 youth. While focusing on family home providers, we have been able to collaborate with Child Care Connections to provide additional resources, materials, and trainings for other private centers throughout the county.
Date: Mon Jun 29 10:42:04 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: camden
Person Reporting: Michaelle Overman

I have worked with the other agents in the NE District to host the NE District Child Care Conference. It is held in March at the College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City. Last year we had about 90 participants from seven counties. All of the participants were able to earn CEU's and participate in a multitude of sessions. I know from a personal stand point that the information is being used, as I have a five year old daughter who attends one of the daycares represented and some of the things her instructors learned that day have since come home with her.
Date: Mon Jun 29 14:37:25 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: lincoln
Person Reporting: Carolyn Goodwin

Day Care workers always need to improve their knowledge and skills to provide good care for our children. From the time Extension arranged for agents to be trained as instructors for the Red Cross, we have been conducting certification classes for care givers. The Child Care class at the local high school had 13 seniors. These girls work in day cares after school as well as in the schools' after- school programs. They are certified in CPR and first aid in the course. Often, several of the students do not pass the test for certification but this year 100% of them passed and are Red Cross certified.
Date: Mon Jun 29 16:21:19 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: vance
Person Reporting: Mary Helen Jones

To increase the number of certification trainings offered to child care providers by the Family and Consumer Education office in Vance County and to offer the expertise needed, local experts were sought to collaborate. The local hospital's infection control officer with the agent taught a session on Infection Control in the Child Care Setting (including handwashing emphasis).
After this session one provider borrowed the handwashing kit and followed the directions demonstrated by the agent on preparing "homemade petri dishes" using yeast for children to grow their own germs (4-H Food Science project). The provider commented that the child who keeps her fingers in her mouth had the most growth.
Two additional trainings involved the children's librarian on creative storytelling and mental health professionals on language development. One partner commented that she was glad to work with Extension because they could share their expertise while we organized and marketed the program.
Date: Tue Jun 30 23:16:56 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: columbus
Person Reporting: Jacqueline D. Roseboro

Child Care Training is required for child care providers. Training for providers is provided by Cooperative Extension, Southeastern Community College, and American Red Cross. This year a grant was written and funded by the Columbus County Partnership for Children, to provide scholarships for child care provided. So far, this year 11 child care provider have received scholarships valued at $185 to attend classes sponsored by Cooperative Extension. Additional funds were used to provide scholarships for those attending other trainings. This has provided an opportunity for providers to attend/complete training that would have otherwise been unavailable to them because of cost.
Date: Tue Jun 30 16:09:08 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: forsyth
Person Reporting: Deborah D. Womack

Positive role models and teachers are needed for young children in child care situations in Forsyth Co.Many new teachers are experiencing trouble in caring and teaching infants-preschoolers via age-appropriate learning activities.Therefore,the Cooperative Extension Service,Smart
Start TAC,DSS,Health Dept.,Fire Dept., and NC Division of Child Development designed an orientation program for workers.75 child care professionals attended the day long sessions(monthly) and received 7 hours credit.Participants reported that by attending the orientation, they became more knowledgeable of the issues and needs of young children and how to effectively plan age-appropriate activities.
Date: Tue Jun 30 14:56:28 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: haywood
Person Reporting: Marna Holland

On March 9, 17 child care providers received 2 hours of training on stress management. The information was specifically geared to the stesses of the child care field, including working with children and parents, balancing work and family demands, and time management. The video "The Joy of Stress" with Loretta LaRoche was one of the favorite parts of the workshop. On the evaluation forms, 99% of the participants said the workshop provided them with new knowledge, and 99% said the workshop provided them with new ideas that will be helpful to them at work. Also, 100% said they would like future workshops by the presenter (FCE Agent) and 99% said they would like a follow-up to the session. This workshop was presented in partnership with Southwestern Child Development Resource and Referral.
Date: Tue Jun 30 14:56:51 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: haywood
Person Reporting: Marna Holland

The Haywood County Smart Start Team, of which the FCE agent is co-chair, has accomplished the following in the first half of 1998: sent five letters of support for Smart Start to legislators and the governor, sent over 100 signed postcards to legislators in support of Smart Start, sponsored a booth at the county children's fair, begun work on an awards system for child care providers in the county, planned an early childhood tour for candidates for various offices, and received a $10,000 grant from CP & L for use in early childhood projects. Average attendance at monthly county team meetings is 14-15 persons and the group is becoming more proactive and responsive to early childhood issues witin the county.
Date: Tue Jun 30 21:28:20 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: lee
Person Reporting: Susan C. Condlin

80 percent of Lee County's mothers are employed with 64 percent of these mothers having children under the age of 5 years who are in need of child care. Calls received at the Lee County Center seeking affordable and quality day care have increased. The Extension Service in Lee County has taken the lead with the Lee County Partnership for Children to establish our local Child Care Resource and Referral Center(CCR&R;). Funding(from SmartStart) in the amount of $30,000.00 was received to plan and establish this agency that will become the source for information pertaining to child care availability and other issues facing child care in Lee County. An Advisory Committee has been establish. Members are currently assessing community needs as it relates to child care. A workforce assessment targeting child care professionals is underway.
Date: Tue Jun 30 14:21:02 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: onslow
Person Reporting: Gregory Clemmons

On April 4th NCCES-Onslow conducted a Caring For Children day long seris of training for individuals involved in the 4-H school age child care program.Topics included such things as Keeping Kids Healthy,Activities for Specials Needs,Playing Safely on the Playground,Child Abuse and Neglect,Sharing Science with Kids,Crafts,Infant Anttics and Teaching Music to Youth.Sixteen volunteers served as presenters throughout the day and a total of 103 individuals received training. A planning committee cordinated by the 4-H Program Assistant helped facilitate the day. Also assisting with the organizing of the event were the 4-H Agent and secretary,along with the Family Consumer Science Agent.After reveiwing the evaluations of the day the event will be held again next year(99).
Date: Tue Jun 30 16:12:28 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: pasquota
Person Reporting: Gwen Stevens

In response to an increasing need for quality child care, the Family and Consumer Agent partnered with the Child Care Resource & Referral to offer monthly trainings and conferences. The trainings covered topics from the eight areas addressed by the Child Development Associate credential. 272 providers attended these trainings. As a result, providers have increased their knowledge in providing a safe and nurturing environment with appropriate programs for children. Evaluations showed that providers would like to attend more trainings sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service.
Date: Tue Jun 30 12:52:16 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: wayne
Person Reporting: Sandra Head

In response to the need for quality child care, Extension provided 5 child care training sessions on: Brain Development, Learning Through Play, and Effective Discipline. Of 175 participants, 158 indicated they learned new strategies that they planned to adopt. 85 percent of the participants in "Effective Discipine" were able to name at least 3 discipline strategies they learned in the workshop.
All participants completing evaluation forms stated they learned new information as a result of the workshop.
Date: Tue Jun 30 12:52:30 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: wayne
Person Reporting: Howard F. Scott

In Wayne County, Extension is the only organization providing training for school-age care providers. To meet the need of training school-age care providers, Extension conducted a day long conference focusing on providing training for people who care for youth during after-school hours. Surveys of the conference showed that 95 percent of the 154 participants rated the workshops as good or excellent. Comments from the participants show that they were going to apply what they learn in their after-school program.
Extension conducted a workshop for school-age care providers that focused on summer programming. Surveys of paricipants showed that 9 percent of the 25 participants learned new information during the two hour workshop and 75 percent rated the workshop as great. Comments included: "I feel I have learned things that I will be able to use with my after-school youth, The workshop was a great help for me when programming summer activities".
Date: Tue Jun 30 12:52:43 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: wayne
Person Reporting: Howard F. Scott

With the assistance of the State 4-H Office, Wayne County has secured over $50,000 to promote school-age child care in the county. With this financial support, 4-H has been able to work with Goldsboro Housing Authority to upgrade a facility that meets license requirements with the NC Dept of Health and Human Resources. At the present time 25 limited resource youth have access to quality care during the summer months and after school. The resources also assisted 4-H to give 45 limited resource youth access to summer programming through 4-H. Wayne County 4-H collaborated with the Boys and Girls Club of Goldsboro to provide additional scholarships for youth in the Fremont community to attend a full day summer program.

Date: Wed Jul 1 14:47:52 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: tyrrell
Person Reporting: Shelly Haskell

A needs assessment survey of Tyrrell Elementary School parents indicated a need to improve and expand the After School Care Program. Tyrrell 4-H applied for and recieved a grant through the Department of Health and Human Service to assist in developing this program. Improvements have been made through staff training, purchasing educational supplies, expanding operating hours and marketing. Program enrollment has increased by 100%. Two 4-H clubs, one traditional and one special interest, are available to participants. A teen tutoring program was initiated and showed and improvement in homework completion. Special trips, activities, and resource people have also been added.
Date: Thu Jul 2 16:47:58 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: iredell
Person Reporting: Lucille Carter

For four years a group sought funds from the smart start program to strengthen child care programs and activities in Iredell County. Need for more collaboration was always marked as one of the greatest needs. The Family Consumer Science agent and two other individuals put together a state of the child conference to see where we were and where we wanted to go. Now there is a group of 42 agencies called "Friends of the Young Child" coordinated by the agent and meets monthly at the extension center. They work together throughout the year to support and strengthen the work of each organization. Two examples this year were held during the week of the young child. A recognition banquet attended by 292 child caregivers provided recognition for teacher of the year and recipients of the child care credentials I and II. Smart Start funds now in place provided $3000 towards the
Date: Tue Jul 14 13:03:57 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: ashe
Person Reporting: Julie B. Landry

Collaboration with Ashe County's High Schools, (grades 7 - 8) has allowed for a very successful middle school after school program, SOS, that has shown improvement in school grades, standardized test scores and attendance by those youth participating as reported by teachers and school principal. The SOS program is also collaborating with DSS to provide training for children of parents in the work first program. This training and curriculum targets career exploration and job readiness. As a result, the county Work First committee appropriated $10,00.00 to the SOS progrom January 1998 and $5 - $10,0000 for the 1998-99 FY.
Date: Tue Jul 14 13:04:18 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: ashe
Person Reporting: Julie B. Landry

As a result of training opportunities, 4 local family child care providers have received NC Child Care Credentials, 12 summer grant recipients in the state received a 2 day training based on the California summer training materials and 18 school age care providers from 3 counties agreed to use all skills and knowledge gained during Regional training on child nutrition. 85 percent of child care providers in the county are now involved in a professional development plan as a result of collaborative efforts between the Cooperative Extension Service, Partnership for Children and the Child Care Resource and Referral program.
Date: Thu Jul 16 15:35:38 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: caswell
Person Reporting: Donna Pointer

Child Care Directors/Providers have been meeting with Extension Agent to plan and carry out events for staff and children. Few arts related activities have been provided in the past for preschool children. $1500 was secured from Caswell Council for the Arts which was matched by the centers and parents. All day care children came to Caswell County Gym (space was donated) for programs by The Scrap Exchange, Tarradiddle Players and Dave Risley, Magician. The activities concluded with a Fun Fair for Families on Saturday, April 25, 1998. 42 families were represented for family activities, displays by agencies and lunch. All who attended agreed that this was a worthwhile endeavor.
Date: Fri Jul 24 08:48:07 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: swain
Person Reporting: Jessica Roberson

Many childcare workers cope with a large dose of stress daily and have expressed a need for stress management programs. The Swain County Extension Service in collaboration with the Jackson and Macon County Extension Services presented a stress management program to thirty-seven childcare workers during the Western Regional Childcare Conference. The participants were taught how to identify the stressors in their life, become aware of potential causes of this stress, manage stress-producing situations, and use relaxation techniques when needed during daily living. As a result, the participants reported they were planning on using some of the stress relaxation methods and had become more aware of the stressors in their lives.
Date: Fri Sep 4 14:12:24 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: rutherfo
Person Reporting: Tracy Davis

In an effort to improve the quality of child care, Cooperative Extension conducted a series of workshops to enhance the skills of child care providers. Ninety nine percent of survey respondents put skills gained from the training into practices and stated that these skills had led to improved quality of care. Implementing safer play practices, resolving conflict among children and using effective communication techniques were specific skills noted by respondents. Four providers reported having a better understanding of creative play and its impact on mental and emotional development. As a result, these providers enhanced the creative play and outdoor activities at their centers. Providers learned to make their own art and play materials providing a cost savings of ten to twenty dollars per month. In addition to 44 providers receiving training, Extension publications were distributed to 209 parents.
Date: Tue Sep 22 11:47:35 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: rockingh
Person Reporting: Peggie M. Lewis

In response to the increasing need for summer child care, Rockingham County 4-H offered Summer Fun Workshops to any interested youth. These workshops provided hands-on make-it take-it activities.

One workshop was entitled No Soil Gardening. The participants toured a hydroponic greenhouse and received hands-on experiences about the ins and outs of "no-soil gardening". The participants received hydroponic bags and tomato plants to take home and have their own hydroponic garden.

This and all other summer workshops were provided to these participants at a minimal average cost of $3. Most parents pay an average of $85/week/child. Which is $17/day/child. On average we were saving these parents $14/day or $70/week. Rockingham County 4-H Summer Fun is sponsored by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Rockingham County Center, and United Way of Rockingham County.
Date: Wed Oct 7 12:49:36 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: brunswic
Person Reporting: Pearl W. Stanley

N. C. Health and Human Services requires Child Care Providers to receive update training annually. Brunswick and Columbus Counties FCE Agents with Human Development responsibilities provided 87.5 contact hours of training from March - September, 1998. One hundred seventy three child care providers were certified through these trainings in the two counties. Participants are required to make a minimum of 80% passing rate on order to receive certification. Grants (Brunswick, $77,500.00; Columbus, $15,000.00) were secured to provide training for providers. In addition, child care providers also receive the Quarterly Child Care Newsletter which gives safety information, activities, etc. The participants have increased their knowledge and skills in providing quality child care.
Date: Wed Oct 7 16:50:18 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: madison
Person Reporting: Eve M. Kindley

In 1995, the Madison County Advisory Leadership Council assisted in identifying the needsof youth and their families. One such need was deemed critical - appropriate summer care for school-age children. With approximately 50% of working mothers with school-age children and 12% of children living in single parent families, it was evident that one public school-age care program was insufficient.

Each year the program has grown! There was a 30% increase in enrollment during the summer of 1997 and a 27% increase in enrollment in 1998. Madison County 4-H had to
establish a waiting list to notify interested families of vacancies when they were available.

Parents tell us that their children insist that mom/dad wait until closing time to retrieve the kids because they're enjoying themselves so much!

With limited available summer care for school-agers, 4-H is meeting a critical need for working parents.
Date: Wed Oct 7 16:51:22 EDT 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: madison
Person Reporting: Eve M. Kindley

After four years of "planting the seed" that 4-H can provide technical assistance in the way of training for school-age care providers, Madison County Public Schools have asked to
participate in training programs. 4-H provides quarterly training to after-school providers. After-school programs will improve because providers are becoming more professional in their knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices with school-age children as well as
curriculum available for use through the Cooperative Extension Service. The public school system looks to 4-H and the Cooperative Extension Service to provide this critical training.
Date: Mon Dec 21 09:20:14 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: edgecomb
Person Reporting: Lesa R. Walton

Edgecombe County Schools After-School Programs and 4-H have worked closely together to enhance the lives of some 150 youth this past summer. The curriculum focus for the summer involved cultural country studies which 4-H worked diligently one-on-one with staff preparing lesson plans and 4-H staff provided hands-on activities of the three sites. The themed summer program was well liked by the youth involved, their parents and the staff at the sites.
Date: Mon Dec 21 17:48:40 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: union
Person Reporting: Gloria Baker

To improve the quality of child care in the county, a monthly newsletter, "Creative Caring," is sent to all public child care centers that are inspected by the Health Department, as well as to some church child care centers. Copies are sent to approximately 60 centers who in turn are encouraged to make copies for their childrens' parents. Through this effort, parenting skills and both quantity and quality of time spent with children are improved since the newsletter includes daily "things to do" with children. The mailing list is continually being expanded.
Date: Mon Dec 21 10:28:50 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: vance
Person Reporting: Mary Helen Jones

In 1998 the Family and Consumer Education (FCE) office of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service , Vance County Center provided a total of 6 certification trainings to assist local providers in meeting licensure requirements.This is 3 times the number of trainings offered in 1996 or 1997. 310 providers were involved in the 2 hour training sessions (199 in the latter half of the year).
This increased number was due to partnering between experts (i.e., kindergarten teacher and 4-H agent) who taught the sessions and the FCE agent who organized and marketed the trainings. This is a valuable service that is needed to enhance the quality of child care and is required by law of the day care homes/centers.
Date: Tue Dec 22 12:46:52 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: alleghan
Person Reporting: Jackie Helton

4-H was recognized by the Alleghany County Board of Education at their September meeting. The Superintendent at that time shared with all in attendance that the Childhood Dreams School-Aged Care program would have been closed without help from 4-H. The Board members agreed that 4-H should become more involved in the program and asked if we would form a 50/50 partnership to help run the program. This has allowed more 4-H curriculum to be used and has created more interest in 4-H from the youth in the program. I met again in December with the Board and they praised the work that had been done since September. Everyone in attendance agreed that the program has never been better.
Date: Tue Dec 22 15:30:18 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: davidson
Person Reporting: Katherine Hester

Thirteen teens developed babysitting and child care skills to assist in improving the quality of childcare. The students were ceritified in CPR for one year. The students reported that they felt comfortable in providing care for younger youth.

One youth that took the class several years ago credited her decision to become a teacher to her begining in the babysitting class. She realized that she worked well with youth and enjoyed them. She also gained self-confidence with youth through her babysitting . Now she is studying to be a teacher.
Date: Tue Dec 22 12:14:28 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: gaston
Person Reporting: Diane D. Gibson

The need for quality school age care continues to grow as more families become dual income and/or single parents. 4-H/Cooperative Extension has tackled this need on several fronts: monthly training sessions are conducted for staff; a college level course taught; system manager who works with centers on achieving quality through accreditation; and collaboration with other agencies to address the needs. 266 providers attended at least two hours of training with 15 of the providers participating in the 30 hour college course. Providers report they have used information from Extension to rearrange rooms to make it more child centered and cut down on discipline problems by posting rules and consequences; to provide age appropriate activities for their students; to alter their daily schedule to allow free choice and open snack and to talk with families about general child development issues in parent conferences.
Date: Wed Dec 23 11:45:08 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: greene
Person Reporting: Shenile Rothwell

Fifty-five childcare providers earned two-hundred twenty hours of playground safety training in August 1998. Childcare providers gained knowledge of how to audit their own playgrounds and recognize potential hazards that may cause injuries. Nine childcare providers earned eighteen continuing education credit hours on social and emotional development of children ages 0-5. Evaluations showed that childcare participants now understand that each child develops at different stages and what toys, games and other learning aids provide to help children develop healthy socially and emotionally.
Date: Wed Dec 23 11:45:45 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: greene
Person Reporting: Shenile Rothwell

Fifty-seven daycare providers recieved 228 hours of Playground Safety Training. Responses from the evaluations stated "The training was excellent because of the various teaching methods that were used." "The training was very
informative and provided the information needed to make playground safe for children." A playground audit was done at the nearby playground as a test. 80% of daycare providers passed the playground audit which is an indication that
providers retained what was taught.
Date: Wed Dec 23 10:55:31 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: lee
Person Reporting: Susan C. Condlin

80 Percent of Lee County's mothers are employed, with 64 percent of these mothers having children under the age of 5 years, who are in need of safe and affordable child care. The Extension Service continues to take the lead in providing professional development for child care providers. 80 Providers have completed 6 hours of professional training, and an additional 85 have successfully completed CPR and First Aid.
Date: Wed Dec 23 10:56:10 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: lee
Person Reporting: Susan C. Condlin

Finding available child care is a major problem for parents in Lee County. Infant care and care for handicapped children is almost impossible to locate. Frustrated parents have sought the assistance of our Center in locating child care. We have been able to provide them with an updated list of available facilities. Ten families were able to locate child care. Working with the Department of Social Services, we have helped five parents secure subsidized child care.
Date: Mon Dec 28 15:28:41 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: lincoln
Person Reporting: Carolyn H. Goodwin

After completing the "Child Care First Aid" training, two of the certified students had to care for a child who fell and broke his arm at day care. They followed care instructions from the class and having learned that a broken bone is not an emergency they called the parent instead of 911. They also stabilized the arm for the trip to the doctor. The students gained much confidence in their ability to care for a child in an emergency and feel more confident in their role as care givers.
Date: Tue Dec 29 11:27:34 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: madison
Person Reporting: Eve Kindley

The CES has operated a 4-H summer enrichment program since 1996. Locally, the program is touted as providing fun, learning opportunities in a safe, nurturing environment. Each year enrollment increases from 45 to 60 to 82. Youth beg their parents, "please don't come pick me up until 6:00 pm!" because they're having so much fun. Youth transfer new skills/knowledge into other settings. Parents and teachers tell us that 4-H summer program participants have a better understanding of geography and Southern Appalachia than those youth who have not participated in the program.
Date: Tue Dec 29 11:34:12 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: northamp
Person Reporting: Suzanne P. van Rijn

Northampton County has very limited after school care available for its youth. Through a $12,000 grant from the Child Care Development Fund Block Grant, a needs assessment was conducted this fall to determine the need for after school child care. A 61.88% return showed that 94% of the respondents do not have their children enrolled in any care program. 60% indicated they would be interested in enrolling their child in a school age child care program. Through collaboration with the school system, the first after school care site is being developed with plans to open in the spring of 1999.
Date: Wed Dec 30 14:15:24 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: hertford
Person Reporting: Deborah J. Howard

There are around 30 child care professionals attending monthly training sessions to provide higher quality programs for children at their centers. There are 5 candidates in Hertford County looking at CDA credentials to improve their day care programming for children and also to become licensed day care centers and homes. Through collaboration with Smart Start 3 day care homes have become licensed and registered. A goal for Hertford County is to have all day care homes licensed and registered. Four day care centers through collaborative training sessions and working with 20 volunteers and 7 county agencies are providing higher quality programs to meet children's needs.
Date: Wed Dec 30 13:55:36 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: hertford
Person Reporting: Deborah J. Howard

Through collaboration with Smart Start, NC Cooperative Extension Service, EFNEP, area businesses, hospital and Partners for Health the Cooperative Extension Service has received $32,500 to assist with the EFNEP program for the Breastfeeding and Out For Lunch programs. There was a concern for 24 hour care in the county for children. Three centers now provide 24 hour care for children through Extension and Smart Start helping them apply for resources to expand their operations. Around 90 percent of providers use information provided from Cooperative Extension Program training.
Date: Thu Dec 31 19:16:07 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: columbus
Person Reporting: Jacqueline D. Roseboro

N.C. Health and Human Services requires child care providers to receive updated training annually. Brunswick and Columbus Countiy FCS Agents with Human Development and Nutrition reponsibilities provided 87.5 contact hours of training during the year. 265 providers were certified through the training in the two counties. Participants were required to make a minimum of 80% passing rate in order to receive certification. Grants (Brunswick-$77,500; Columbus-
$15,000) were secured to provide training for providers. In addition, child care providers also receive the Quarterly Child Care Newsletter which gives safety information, activities, etc. The participants have increased their knowledge and skills in providing child care.

Date: Thu Dec 31 08:06:10 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: davie
Person Reporting: Peggy D. Nuckolls

The Creative Caring newsletter has had great responses. I have received 14 phone calls to thank me for the information that is being sent through the newsletter.
This will be a quarterly letter use to get researched base information, training schedules, and creative ideas to the providers here in Davie County. So far we have 32 registered day cares on the mailing list and are searching for more day care providers who want to participate.
Date: Thu Dec 31 11:57:43 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: iredell
Person Reporting: H. Nelson McCaskill

Quality child care provides an environment to both nurture and teach the children in care. After school care sites are using 4-H provided curriculum and training to help carry out these reponsibilities. Nine after school care 4-H Clubs at one site used "Talking with TJ" to help their participants learn to resolve conflicts without resorting to violent arguments or fighting. Forty-nine of the participants were surveyed. All indicated that they had learned some new things. In addition, all demonstrated knowledge of one or more techniques for defusing a potential confrontation. One care provider stated, "I think they are learning a lot of things that will help them get along with others better."
Date: Thu Dec 31 10:59:52 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: iredell
Person Reporting: Lucille Carter

Iredell County has come a long way in the last 2-3 years in collaboration of groups in the county working for children. "Smart Start" funds have allowed several programs and projects to be begun. A FCS agent has served on several committees and the county extension director has served on the board of directors to make some educational opportunities available to young children and their families
and to work toward better child care. The FCS agent has been active in the Educational Roundtable where we surveyed all types of parenting classes being taught, by whom, when and where. It was a good opportunity for extension to show where we have offered classes and gives us good direction for future parenting classes. Extension's educational role is being made more prominent in Iredell County by this collaboration of agencies.
Date: Thu Dec 31 14:27:45 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: moore
Person Reporting: Cathy Brown

Low wages, undertrained workers and frequent employee turn-over has created the need for child care training that is attainable in time, cost and location. Moore County 4-H School Age Care with the Financial backing of the United Way of Moore County has been able to address this problem. At least 198 school age child care providers from 86 sites 1n 16 different types of programs caring for moore than 1980 youth through workshops, quarterly newsletters, educational resources and technical consultations. Child care providers have improved knowledge, attitudes, skills and aspirations in one or more of 9 functional areas through these resources thus providing more developmentally appropriate and high quality care for the children.
Date: Thu Dec 31 17:15:55 EST 1998
SMP #: 5
Local System: vance
Person Reporting: Mary Helen Jones

In 1998 the Family and Consumer Education (FCE) office of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Vance County Center, provided a total of 6 certification trainings to assist local child care providers in meeting licensure requirements. 310 providers were involved in the 2-hour training sessions (199 in the latter half of the year). The FCE agent marketed and organized the sessions while experts, such as the local 4-H agent and a kindergarten teacher from another county recommended by the region's child care consultant, taught the sessions. This is a valuable service that is needed to enhance the quality of child care and is required by law of the homes/centers.
Date: Mon Jan 4 10:46:24 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: camden
Person Reporting: Michaelle Overman

Due to the increased awareness of the need for quality childcare and the skills to provide that care, there has been an increase in the request for training and guidance in how to obtain and/or provide quality care. The NCCES in Camden County has been a vital link in this quest for knowledge. We have provided training for providers, provided information for providers and parents and served as a liaison between the two. Our office is also responsible for much of the work that has been done over the last year to secure Smart Start Funding for Camden. Due to the increased awareness of the availability of assistance by our office, we even will have two candidates for the CDA credentials beginning in the month of January.
Date: Mon Jan 4 08:25:47 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: caswell
Person Reporting: Donna Pointer

Child care providers and families in Caswell County are seeing the need to enhance accessibility, improve the quality and increase affordability and availability of child care. There has been no organized Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R;) Agency in the county although we have been planning for one. In November the CCR&R; Task Force, working under the leadership of the FCS agent, applied for and received Smart Start funds in the amount of $25,372 for CCR&R; Start Up. The Extension Service will provide supervision and support until this can be a stand-alone agency.
Date: Mon Jan 4 09:03:15 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: duplin
Person Reporting: wanda clay / duplin county

In response to a need to improve the quality of child care in Duplin County, the Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with the Partnership For Children, Quality Child Care Task Force Advisory Committee and the local Daycare Association to provide six educational workshops for providers that enhanced their knowledge about care giving and thus enabled them to provide a higher level of care for the children. Eighty-two providers were awarded one hundred ninety training hours. Fifty-two hours were awarded to thirteen child care providers on playground safety in order to be in compliance with new legislation. Four child care providers are currently awaiting assessment to receive their Child Development Credential.
Date: Mon Jan 4 09:12:18 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: duplin
Person Reporting: Wanda Campbell Clay

Using research findings from NCSU on the importance of a well trained child care staff for producing positive and social outcomes in child care settings, Agent Clay, was recognized as a regional winner in the 1998 NEAFCS Awards Program. As a result of update training on the new changes in North Carolina Child Care requirements (Law and Rules)held during the month of September, the following agencies: Cooperative Extension, James Sprunt Community College, Department of Social Services, and Duplin County Smart Start were represented at a meeting initiated by agent Clay to discuss how all of our agencies could work together to prevent duplication of our educational programming opportunities. A representative from each department volunteered to help develop a 1999 calender of child care center topics, which will be distributed monthly in each newsletter that is mailed to every child care center and family center in Duplin County.
Date: Mon Jan 4 09:11:11 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: duplin
Person Reporting: Wanda Campbell Clay

Using research findings from NCSU on the importance of a well trained child care staff for producing positive and social outcomes in child care settings, Agent Clay, was recognized as a regional winner in the 1998 NEAFCS Awards Program. As a result of update training on the new changes in North Carolina Child Care requirements (Law and Rules)held during the month of September, the following agencies: Cooperative Extension, James Sprunt Community College, Department of Social Services, and Duplin County Smart Start were represented at a meeting initiated by agent Clay to discuss how all of our agencies could work together to prevent duplication of our educational programming opportunities. A representative from each department volunteered to help develop a 1999 calendar of child care center topics, which will be distributed monthly in each newsletter that is mailed to every child care center and family center in Duplin County.

Date: Mon Jan 4 09:13:35 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: duplin
Person Reporting: wanda clay

Eighty hours were awarded to eight child care providers for attending and participating in the CPR & First Aid workshop.
Two child care providers successfully completed the written and oral examination and have officially earned a Child Development Associate credential.
Date: Mon Jan 4 09:16:18 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: duplin
Person Reporting: wanda campbell clay


Twenty five center directors received up date training on Changes in North Carolina Child Care Requirements. As a result of evaluation forms returned fifty percent indicated New Child Care Laws and Rules would be discussed during their weekly or monthly staff meeting. The migrant head start director requested training for seasonal employees.
One child care center director stated "I plan to require child care credentialing 1 and 2 for all of my staff". As a result of this two hour workshop, six child care employees enrolled in a two hour Child Development Associate Credentiallng workshop.
Date: Mon Jan 4 14:55:02 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: franklin
Person Reporting: Jennifer L. Burnette

Burnette and Allen have had a successful year in the area of
child care. Our goal in offering monthly trainings on various topics is to assist the providers in meeting their training needs as well as improve the quality of care in Franklin and surrounding counties. In 1998 over 200 providers came to the extension center for training. Art Activities, CPR/First Aid, Nutrition, Behavior Management, and Music were just a few of the training topics. All workshops got high evaluations. Feedback has been very positive, "The trainings are fun and I learn alot too!"In addition, Allen has also reached providers and parents with a quarterly newsletter on timely topics.
Date: Tue Jan 5 12:14:48 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: currituc
Person Reporting: Georgia Kight

The Cooperative Extension Service in Currituck County realizes the importance of quality child care. Two staff members play important roles on the local Partnership for Children and were able to secure a total county budget of $190,467 for 1998-99.
One major emphasis to ensure quality child care is the provision of training opportunities for child care providers that will enhance their knowledge and skills. 89 percent of the training participants reported that they had gained skills and put those skills into practice at their particular day care center/home. Twelve providers reported having a better understanding of self esteem and its impact on mental and emotional development. As a result 100 percent of these providers felt they had positively impacted each of the children in their care. Providers also reported learning how to utilize creative crafts to advance children's physical and intellectual development.
Date: Wed Jan 6 11:54:33 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: haywood
Person Reporting: Marna Holland

The First Annual Winter Child Care Workshops, sponsored by Extension, were held November 30 and December 1, 1998. The topics were brain development and an introduction to Reggio Emilia. Attendance was 66 child care providers the first night and 60 providers the second night. Each night was two hours of training credit, so the total number of hours of training credit earned was 252. At an estimated worth of $20 per hour if the providers had had to go elsewhere for the training, the total worth was $5,040. From evaluations conducted at the second evening of training, 86% of the participants said the training provided them with new knowledge and 82% said the training provided them with new skills.
Date: Wed Jan 6 11:55:34 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: haywood
Person Reporting: Marna Holland

The First Annual Winter Child Care Workshops, sponsored by Extension, were held November 30 and December 1, 1998. The topics were brain development and an introduction to Reggio Emilia. Attendance was 66 child care providers the first night and 60 providers the second night. Each night was two hours of training credit, so the total number of hours of training credit earned was 252. At an estimated worth of $20 per hour if the providers had had to go elsewhere for the training, the total worth was $5,040. From evaluations conducted at the second evening of training, 86 percent of the participants said the training provided them with new knowledge and 82 percent said the training provided them with new skills.
Date: Fri Jan 8 16:21:21 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: ashe
Person Reporting: Carolyn Goodman

School age providers recognized the need for time management skills in order to provide quality child care programming, i.e. completion of paper work, staff supervision and management, facility management. As a result of the program "Time Matters," 40 child care providers gained new knowledge of time management principles and they planned to incorporate learned strategies in their professional and personal lives.
Date: Fri Jan 8 14:48:43 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: pitt
Person Reporting: Alexis Scott

Over the last year a major effort was made to improve the quality of child care in Pitt County. Research indicates that the average educational level of child care providers does not include basic knowledge in child development and that the more educational information child care providers receive the better the chance that higher quality child care will be provided. To help provide education and give credit hours to providers, a total of 10 two hour workshops were given on various child development topics. Approximately 245 providers have participated. Evaluations prove that techniques and strategies learned are being implemented in the facilities. They also indicate that most lead teachers have committed to making atleast one behavior modification in the classroom.
Date: Fri Jan 8 08:52:35 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: robeson
Person Reporting: Tammy Tanner

Cooperative Extension in Robeson County is reaching over a thousand of families and children through child care programs. Networking with the local child care resource and referral and Smart Start offices, over 250 daycare professionals have had more than 500 hours of training in an effort to build quality child care. Due to the facilitative work of Family & Consumer Education, over 60 daycare centers/homes will receive money to upgrade their playgrounds and new child care slots have been created to support the need for child care for working parents.
Date: Fri Jan 8 18:14:29 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: rowan
Person Reporting: Ann Simmons

Quality out of home child care can be beneficial to a child's growth and development. Nutrition and safety are important components of child care. Extension provides nutrition and safety education and training to child care providers, and preschoolers in their care. This is made possible through a grant from Smart Start. During the 1997-98 fiscal year, the Rowan County Center received a $25,000 grant and this was increased to $55,000 for the 1998-99 FY. The grant has enabled the hiring of two part time program assistants. 400 preschoolers have participated in nutrition education. 55 providers have received training. Providers and parents report that children are making healthier food choices. Several providers report that they are using what they learned in their work with children.
Date: Fri Jan 8 18:13:10 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: rowan
Person Reporting: Ann Simmons

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Extension provided a class for day care workers on the decreasing the spread of infectious diseases. Proper handwashing was stressed. A parent of a child in one day care center where the workshop was held told the Extension Agent that one of the day care workers commented on how she was doing a better job of washing her hands and also teaching children to wash theirs. In a post-session follow-up with the assistant director, the agent learned that staff members are doing a
better job of handwashing.
Date: Tue Jan 12 16:49:01 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: dare
Person Reporting: Rosie Patton

NC Cooperative Extension hosted an exciting in-service training opportunity for child care providers in July. FCE Agent Rosie Patton joined by Nancy Griffin, Dare County Schools and Kathy Spensor, Roanoke Island Presbyterian Day Care presented "Brain Development & Preschoolers." 17 center and homebased child care providers attended this session earning 2 hours inservice credit. Program evaluations indicated that the providers found the session to be very valuable and requested that additional information on this subject be shared in the future. Providers were excited to learn techniques to use with young children that will enhance their developmental processes.
Date: Tue Jan 12 16:49:25 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: dare
Person Reporting: Rosie Patton

NC Cooperative Extension increased programming efforts to enhance Quality Child Care in Dare County and meet the training needs of CDA candidates. A Mini Conference was held in July with 12 providers attending. Sessions offered were Professionalism - Staying Current in the Ever Changing Field of Child Care and Child Care - Managing an Effective Program.Those in attendance received 4 hours of inservice credit. Two sessions offering 2 hours of In Service Credit each were offered. They were "Physical & Intellectual Development in Preschoolers and "Teaching Preschoolers About Healthy Eating" with 42 providers participating in these September classes. December offered a 3 hours Holiday Workshop focusing on Crafts and Activities. Two Child Development Associate Candidates completed their training hours, resource packets, and observation phase. Both have applied for their National Credential. One is Center Based and the other is a Family Day Care Home provider.
Date: Tue Jan 12 16:49:52 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: dare
Person Reporting: Frances Voliva/Rosie Patton


"Games that Motivate and Educate" presented by Jim Atkinson, a nationally recognized motivational speaker and author, was offered to 26 School Age Child Care Providers
through the Assuring School Age Quality program. Atkinson, known as Mr. Happy, led the group through a variety of games and activities, teaching the adults to view school, sports and friendships through the eyes of the children in their care. Next he shared techniques to motivate and build positive relationships. Using interactive games that teach cooperation and respect, Atkinson demonstrated that the most important tool in the classroom is a motivated and caring adult. Providers stated that they had learned things that would be put to immediate use in their class rooms. The Coordinator for Dare County's After School program stated that her staff now used many of the techniques learned in this session and felt that the quality of their program was improved.
Date: Wed Jan 20 10:57:57 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: wilkes
Person Reporting: Tamara Dosier-Vinay

Woodward Middle School is one of our 10 4-H After-School Programs. Our program is fortunate to have "special needs" youth who attend our program daily. One of those students, Jessica, has down syndrome. Jessica' mother shared the story that one afternoon she came home and her kitchen was a mess with Jessica washing dishes. She ask Jessica what she had been doing and Jessica said that she had made Jello for their dinner that evening. Jessica's mother ask in surprise, where she had learned to make Jello and she replied at 4-H After-School. She next asked why she had used so many pots and pans and Jessica replied that she was doing great until she had to add the eggs!--Jessica makes Jello w/out eggs on a regular basis for her family now.
Date: Tue Jan 26 11:18:58 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: tyrrell
Person Reporting: Shelly Haskell

A needs assessment survey of Tyrrell Elementary School parents indicated a need to improve and expand the After School Care Program. Tyrrell 4-H applied for and received a grant through the Department of Health and Human Service to assist in developing this program. Improvements have been made through staff training, purchasing educational supplies, expanding operation hours and marketing. Program enrollment has increased by 100%. Two 4-H clubs, one traditional and one special interest, are available to participants. A teen tutoring program was initiated and showed an improvement in homework completion. Special trips, activities, and resource people have also been added.
Date: Mon Feb 15 11:47:26 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: graham
Person Reporting: Teresa Garland

Child Care Opportunities:

In 1998, for the first time, Graham County 4-H provided child care opportunities for youth in grades K-6. Eighty youth were served during the nine-week summer day camp program. In addition, twelve youth advanced to the next grade level due to their participation in the 4-H SOARS program.

Seventy youth were served in the after-school program. Classroom teachers report improved academic performance and improved social skills for several of the 4-H A-STAR participants.

Both programs have been successful and were extremely needed as child care slots for school-age youth in Graham County were very limited.
Date: Mon Feb 15 11:47:44 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: graham
Person Reporting: Latresa Phillips

Child Care Providers Receive Training:

Because of the dramatic changes in child care provider educational requirements, the Family and Consumer Educator offered workshops to meet training needs for caregivers. These workshops were: Developmentally Appropriate Art Practices; Parent Involvement; and N.C. Family Child Care Home Requirements. Ten child care providers received 3 hours of credit for each class attended. These workshops allowed providers, who offer care to over 50 preschoolers, to meet their training needs.
Date: Sat Feb 27 10:46:37 EST 1999
SMP #: 5
Local System: watauga
Person Reporting: sue counts

Over 70% of the mothers in Watauga County are working, therefore, there is a great need for quality child care. The Cooperative Extension County Director is presently serving as chair of the 32 member Smart Start Board. The goal of Smart Start is to help every child come to school healthy and ready to learn. The First year Plan foor Smart Start was developed and presented to the NC Partnership for Children in April 1998. Approximately $197,000 was granted. The Watauga County funded initiatives include an expansion of child-care resource and referral services, salary supplements to reward training and stable employment among child-care workers, and quality enhancement grants for child care centers.
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