Celebrating 15 Years of Improving Early Childhood Education
Volunteers of America staff and supporters gathered at the Early Learning Center at First United Methodist on October 20th to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Volunteers of America’s Partnerships in Child Care programs. Director Janie Starks and her staff presented highlights of the programs’ past achievements and current initiatives.
Guests were then invited to take a tour of ELC, a child care center recently awarded 4-stars, to see how our programs are helping child care providers improve their learning environments. Most brain connections are formed within the first 5 years of life. Children who attend centers with classrooms and teachers that provide quality childhood educational experiences are more likely to be successful throughout their academic career, graduate from high school, and avoid conflicts with the justice system.
Volunteers of America is the only state-designated child care resource and referral agency in the capital area.
This past year, from July 2010-June 2011, Volunteers of America:
Provided 371 Referrals for Families
Provided 318 Training Sessions for 2,941 unduplicated Child Care Workers
Made 449 Technical Assistance Visits to Centers
Assisted 86 Centers in the capital area with participating in Quality Start