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Childcare Resources of Indian River, Inc. Children in Centers Children's services Advisory Committee PROPOSAL NARRATIVE A. ORGANIZATION CAPABILITY (Entire Section A not to exceed one age) 1. Provide the mission statement and vision of your organization. Mission statement: To ensure the availability and affordability of high quality early childhood and family support programs for children of income eligible working families in Indian River County. The vision of Childcare Resources is for childcare to be available and affordable for all children who qualify, and that the quality of childcare in Indian River County will be enhanced. In addition, parents will be able to work secure in the knowledge their children are thriving. Families will be strengthened and better able to nurture their children into responsible adulthood. Childcare Resources envisions a community that embraces the mission and recognizes that community-wide support will improve the quality of life for all citizens. 2. Provide a brief summary of your organization including areas of expertise, accomplishments, and population served. Childcare Resources contracts with six local childcare centers located on eight sites to deliver quality childcare programs for children from birth to kindergarten. Childcare Resources serves working families who meet income eligibility guidelines and live in Indian River County. Centers must meet Childcare Resources standards of quality. A team of early childhood professionals are involved in the process of choosing and assessing centers. Once accepted as a new provider, a center has provisional status for a period of at least one year. Centers receive unannounced monitoring visits regularly. Staffs receive training and support, and center directors meet bi-monthly with Childcare Resources staff to discuss issues that affect the delivery of a quality program. They are reimbursed at a rate to support the required standards. The criteria for contracting include: • A program that is both age and individually appropriate • Specifically trained and adequately compensated teachers • Low adult to child ratios ( 1 : 10 for preschool) ( 1 : 8 for 2 year olds) ( 1 :6 for toddlers) ( 1 :4 for infants) • Close ties with families and meaningful parental involvement; and • Access to comprehensive services The program of Childcare Resources places emphasis upon a strong family support and education component, including parenting workshops, parent/child interactive Saturday programs, mentoring, resource and referral, and professional psychological support. Children' s progress is monitored and documented. There is parental choice among centers. Parents sign a contract committing to a sliding fee scale, mandatory participations in orientations, parentheacher conferences and parent education programs throughout the year. Childcare Resources conducts fundraising and promotes public awareness, which are vital to the support, sustainability, and delivery of the program. 4