Children & Youth Partnership Launches Early Literacy Pilot Project
Getting books from the doctor will soon be a routine part of regular pediatric checkups at two medical practices in Dare County. Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is partnering with Reach Out and Read® to make books and literacy guidance at well-child visits a reality for children and families in the community. These new Reach Out and Read clinical locations, Surf Pediatrics and HealthEast Family Care in Nags Head, join more than 4,779 programs nationwide that are preparing America’s youngest children to succeed in school.
“We are so pleased to have been selected to receive a Reach Out and Read grant from Smart Start and thrilled to partner with Surf Pediatrics and HealthEast Family Care. It will allow us to serve even more children, working through these medical practices during check-ups when young children’s developmental needs are being addressed. We believe that this initiative will result in more children starting elementary school with a great foundation for learning to read and contribute to subsequent successful reading and learning,” stated Loretta Michael, Children & Youth Partnership’s executive director.
In the upcoming months, doctors, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals providing well-child visits at Surf Pediatrics and HealthEast Family Care in Nags Head will incorporate Reach Out and Read's evidence-based model into regular pediatric checkups by advising parents about the importance of reading aloud and giving developmentally-appropriate books to children.
The program begins at the 6-month checkup and continues through age 5, with a special emphasis on children growing up in low-income communities. Families served by the Reach Out and Read program read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies, stronger language skills, and better prepared to achieve their potential.
During the 2011 legislative session, The North Carolina General Assembly added a requirement for Smart Start to implement an evidence-based pilot literacy program. The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc, the organization that oversees Smart Start, chose Reach Out Read because it builds upon Smart Start’s success in working with pediatricians. Smart Start currently works with pediatric offices to provide developmental screenings during well-child visits and has always included a focus on developing early literacy skills.
In Dare County, Children & Youth Partnership, the local Smart Start organization, recognizes the critical role that pre-literacy skills can play in early development, and will add this newest initiative to 3 existing programs already underway in the community. Imagination Library, a program that mails a free, age-appropriate book to children ages birth-5 each month, is currently reaching 1,050 children in Dare County. Raising A Reader, a take-home book bag program, is currently active in three pre-K classrooms in Dare County, providing both books and knowledge about their importance to children and families since 2008. And WINGS, a preschool literacy games program, currently has several community volunteers working with at-risk preschoolers to improve cognitive and language development.
Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is one of 14 Smart Start partnerships selected to implement the Reach Out and Read program in the upcoming year. The others include Alexander County Partnership for Children, Anson County Partnership for Children, Smart Start of Davie County, Inc., Down East Partnership for Children, Duplin County Partnership for Children, Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start, Madison County Partnership for Children and Families, Inc., Randolph County Partnership for Children, Region A Partnership for Children, Rockingham County Partnership for Children, Inc., Smart Start Rowan, Inc., Children’s Council of Watauga, Inc., and Wilkes Community Partnership for Children.
For more information on Reach Out and Read, please visit their website at www.reachoutandread.org. For more information on Children & Youth Partnership, please visit www.darekids.org.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
First Bank Donates to Imagination Library
Mike Wiegand of First Bank presents a $1,000 donation for Imagination Library to Children & Youth Partnership Board Member, Dee McManus. Pictured from L to R are First Bank’s employees Mike Wiegand, Nathan Ladd, Wendy Norris, Elizabeth Minton, and Matt Austin; and CYP Board member Dee McManus
The first five years of a child’s life set the stage for growth and learning, and exposure to books and reading can be one of the strongest predictors of later reading success in school. First Bank clearly recognizes the importance of early literacy and through their generous donation, they help to ensure that children are set up to succeed upon entering into Kindergarten.
With over 1,000 children currently enrolled in the program, the support of First Bank will allow children who are already enrolled in Imagination Library to continue to receive Imagination Library books to their homes each month, and additional children, ages birth through five, can begin receiving this gift as well. By receiving books in the mail on a monthly basis, both children and parents are reminded of the importance of the printed page and are encouraged to take time out of their day to sit and read. When families read together it opens communication, creates family time, and develops relationships.
For more information on how Dare County families can register their children for Imagination Library, please call Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614 or visit our website, www.darekids.org for more information.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
Midgett Insurance Agency Donates to Imagination Library
The staff of E.R. Midgett in Kitty Hawk presents a check for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. Pictured from left to right: Paul Tine, Joann Camporeale, Jan Presgraves (front), Ross Mitchell (back), Katherine Klonis, Stephanie Herwick, Amy Colanero, and Kiirsten Farr
True to the Nationwide slogan of being “on your side,” Midgett Insurance Agency has once again proven its commitment to helping young children and families in Dare County, through a generous donation of $500 to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. As supporters of the program since late 2007, it is clear that Midgett Insurance Agency understands the importance of early literacy for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and is dedicated to providing children with the opportunity to create daily reading habits with their families.
With over 1,000 children currently enrolled, Imagination Library would not be possible without the dedication of local individuals, organizations, and businesses, like Midgett Insurance Agency, who help to ensure that books continue to arrive in the mail boxes of children all throughout the county. Since early exposure to books and reading can be a strong predictor of later reading skills in school, Imagination Library books are not only helping to prepare children for their journey into Kindergarten, but are also helping to provide children with ways to expand their imaginations and build their love of learning at an early age. Families living in Dare County can register their children for Imagination Library by calling Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614. Please visit our website, www.darekids.org, for more information.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
Children & Youth Partnership Annual Meeting
Departing Board Members
The following were recognized for their service on the Children & Youth Partnership Board of Directors at the recent annual meeting of the Partnership. (From l to r) David Warner, Demetri Poulis, M.D., Sallie Ackley, Christian Lige, M.D., and Arty Tillett.
New Board Members
New board members were welcomed at Children & Youth Partnership’s annual meeting. (From l to r)
Brittany Phillips; Alison Heyder, DDS; Melissa Cooper; Dee McManus; Mary Ann Wetzel; Peter Rascoe; Amy Denson; and Tricia Lawrenson.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library Donors - 4 Years
Imagination Library Sponsors were thanked and recognized at Children & Youth Partnership’s annual Board of Directors meeting. The following organizations and businesses were recognized for their continuous support for the children’s reading program for 4 consecutive years. (From l to r) Midgett Nationwide Insurance Agency – Paul Tine; North Banks Rotary accepted by Tess Judge ; First Flight Rotary accepted by Mike Fulton ; OBX Bank – Phyllis Neal; Outer Banks Kiwanis accepted by Bill Vann; Outer Banks Mommy & Me accepted by Stephanie Baker and Jessica Summerton; and Vincent Law Firm – Jo Bolyes.
Dolly Parton Imaginaiton Library Donors
Children & Youth Partnership recognized Imagination Library key financial sponsors at the its recent annual meeting. (L to R) Delta Kappa Gamma: Delta Zeta Chapter - Chris Jones; East Carolina Bank – Manteo Branch – Lisa Perry; Kitty Hawk Rotary – Peter Rascoe; First Flight Cruisers – Michael Tillett and Di Watson; Surf Pediatrics, Christina Lige, M.D.; and Outer Banks Community Foundation – Skipper Hines.
As the new school year begins, students throughout Dare County Schools are entering their classrooms refreshed from their summer break and ready to learn. But for younger children, this daily routine is still a few years away. For these children, ages birth-five, their own home is often the classroom, their favorite children’s books are their textbooks, and their most important teachers are parents, grandparents, and siblings.
Reading books to a child starting at infancy can be one of the best ways for a parent to bond with their child while also introducing new words and concepts. According to the National Institute for Literacy, children who were read to at least three times a week when entering into kindergarten were nearly twice as likely to score in the top quarter of children on literacy tests in school. Similarly, exposure to books and reading as early as birth can help to guarantee that children are better prepared when starting school and have positive attitudes about books and reading.
With the help of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is working to make sure that each child, regardless of location or income level, has the opportunity to build important reading skills and a love of reading, by ensuring that outstanding children’s books are available in the home.
Begun by Dolly Parton in 1995 and adopted in Dare County in 2008, Imagination Library helps to provide age-appropriate books to children from birth to five years old, reaching every town and community in Dare County. Each month, the arrival of a new Imagination Library book in the mail helps to build excitement about reading among children and families, while providing children with great opportunities for strengthening imaginations and developing relationships with both their parents and with the printed page. The books also act as a reminder to parents about the importance of reading to children, and help to ensure that routines of daily book sharing are being developed in the home with a loving adult leading the way.
For many parents, it is a lack of time in the day that creates an obstacle to reading. For other parents, it may be an uncertainty about how to read to their child. With research telling us that 90% of brain development occurs before a child turns five-years-old, and that reading aloud helps to stimulate the brain, it is crucial that children be exposed to reading and books early in life, regardless of the barrier. Even as early as infancy, children are beginning to develop sounds and words, which can be encouraged by listening to their parents’ voices while reading a story.
There are many different ways to read a book to a child. For babies, their interests may be bright colors, contrasting pictures, and mouthing and chewing on books. For toddlers and preschoolers, it may be fun to create their own stories from the pictures given or have their parents change their voices to match the characters. Other parents may simply prefer to read the words on the page, point to the words as they are read, and talk about the story at the end. Regardless of the reading style, the important thing is that parents are spending time reading with their children. Even if parents are only able to set aside 5 minutes out of the day, showing a child that reading and books are important is vital to a child’s later success and helps to prepare them for their journey into kindergarten.
Through the Imagination Library program, books are currently reaching over 1,020 children in our community, with over 36,000 books mailed out since the beginning of the program in March 2008. With the cost of the program at $27 per child for each year they are enrolled, Imagination Library could not be successful in Dare County without the support of individuals, businesses, and local organizations that have made generous donations to support the program.
Over the past year, these sponsors have included Delta Kappa Gamma’s Delta Zeta Chapter, East Carolina Bank’s Manteo Branch, First Flight Cruisers, First Flight Rotary Club, Manteo Rotary Club, Midgett Insurance Agency, North Banks Rotary Club, OBX Bank, Outer Banks Kiwanis Club, Outer Banks Mommy & Me, Surf Pediatrics, Vincent Law Firm, and Wal-Mart. Their investment in Imagination Library will have a great impact on the future of Dare County children.
Children & Youth Partnership is launching its fundraising campaign for the upcoming 2011-2012 year, seeking individual, business, and civic group financial sponsors for Imagination Library. By contributing to Imagination Library, sponsors will ensure that children currently enrolled remain in the program, and that new children can begin receiving these special gifts in their homes as well. For $27 a child will receive a colorful, high quality book every month for a year through Imagination Library, opening the doors to a world of stories and adventure. To become a sponsor of Imagination Library and to make a long-term investment in the Dare County community, please contact the Partnership at 252-441-0614 or visit www.darekids.org for more information.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
Cape Hatteras Angler's Club Donates to Imagination Library
Sheryl Fink (right), treasurer of Cape Hatteras Angler’s Club, presents a check for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program to Carla Heppert (left) of Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County.
Since Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program began mailing books in Dare County in March of 2008, it has been the kindness and generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations like the Cape Hatteras Angler’s Club that has helped to ensure that books continue to arrive at the homes of young children each month. With their generous donation of $270 to the Imagination Library program this year, it is clear that the Cape Hatteras Angler’s Club recognizes the importance of early literacy, and is devoted to ensuring that each child has equal opportunities to grow and learn through books.
Through their donation, the Cape Hatteras Angler’s Club is helping Children & Youth Partnership provide young children with the chance to experience an exciting adventure with reading, while also developing their imaginations and preparing for their journey into Kindergarten. When a new book arrives each month, not only are children being given something exciting and new, but parents are being given a special opportunity to spend time with their child, promoting daily reading habits and a love of reading that could last a lifetime.
Families living in Dare County can register their children for Imagination Library by calling Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614. Please visit our website, www.darekids.org, for more information.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
Outer Banks Mommy & Me Donates to Imagination Library
Members of Outer Banks Mommy & Me present a check for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. Pictured from left to right: Elizabeth Gallop (Vice President), Jessica Summerton (Co-President), Carla Heppert of Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County, Stephanie Baker (Co-President), Fran Dunn (Treasurer), and Rebecca Wilcox (Secretary) with daughter, Josie.
Since 2008, when Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program was brought to Dare County by Children & Youth Partnership, the Outer Banks Mommy and Me organization has continued to show their dedication to the development of young children ages birth through five. This year, they have once again recognized the importance of early literacy, and are helping to provide age-appropriate Imagination Library books to Dare County children through a generous donation of $500. Imagination Library depends upon the support of generous partners like Outer Banks Mommy & Me who understand the enormous benefit of reading.
As a group of organized moms, Outer Banks Mommy and Me strives to provide its members with the foundation for educational stimulation in arts, science, and community awareness, while also giving back to community organizations and programs, such as Imagination Library. With the help of their donation, young children are being given the opportunity to experience an exciting adventure with reading, while also developing their imaginations and preparing for their journey into Kindergarten. When a new book arrives each month, not only are children being given something exciting and new, but parents are being given a special opportunity to spend time with their child, promoting daily reading habits and a love of reading that could last a lifetime.
Families living in Dare County can register their children for Imagination Library by calling Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614. Please visit our website, www.darekids.org, for more information. To find out more about Outer Bank Mommy & Me, visit their website at www.outerbanksmommyandme.com.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
Delta Kappa Gamma's Delta Zeta Chapter donates to Imagination Library
As current and former educators, the members of Delta Kappa Gamma’s Delta Zeta Chapter have spent much of their lives devoted to the education and well-being of children. With current research highlighting the importance of books and reading in the early years of life, the Delta Zeta Chapter has once again recognized early literacy as a top priority in Dare County by supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. Through their generous donation of $1,000, they are not only helping to provide books to young children, but are also helping to ensure that these children have the opportunity to build daily reading habits prior to entering school.
With the generosity and dedication of local businesses, individuals, and organizations, like Delta Kappa Gamma’s Delta Zeta Chapter, Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is able to continue to provide colorful, new, age-appropriate children’s books to young children all throughout the county, currently reaching over 1,000 children each month. With these books, children are being given the opportunity to expand their imaginations, build their love of learning at an early age, and prepare for their journey into Kindergarten. Families living in Dare County can register their children for Imagination Library by calling Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614. Please visit our website, www.darekids.org, for more information.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
First Flight Crusiers Donates to Imagination Library
Members of the First Flight Cruisers presented a $2,000 donation to Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County for the Imagination Library program.
The First Flight Cruisers have once again donated $2,000 to Children & Youth Partnership to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in Dare County. The First Flight Cruisers is an all make/model auto club on the Outer Banks open to vehicle enthusiasts that enjoy gathering for fellowship, shows, and cruises while creating a positive impact on the community. The club members decided to contribute proceeds from their events to Imagination Library, a pre-literacy program for young children benefiting all young children in the county.
The First Flight Cruisers joins several other corporate and civic donors as a Key Financial Sponsor, making it possible to bring this highly acclaimed reading program to children in Dare County. With the help of generous sponsors like the First Flight Cruisers, outstanding children’s books are mailed directly to young children in their homes each month until their fifth birthday. Children look forward each month to a new and exciting reading adventure, and as parents make time to read with their child, a strong association of love and comfort is made with reading. The goals of the program are to instill a love of learning, to help prepare children for Kindergarten, and to improve childhood literacy and success in school. Families living in Dare County can register for Imagination Library by calling Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614. More information can be found at www.darekids.org.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs, and resources for children.
Outer Banks Kiwanis Club donates to Imagination Library
Each year, Outer Banks Kiwanis Club dedicates itself to serving the Dare County community and the people that call it home. Through this commitment, they have supported Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library since it began in Dare County in 2008. And once again this year, they have chosen to share the gift of reading with young children, through their generous donation of $1,000 to the program. With this support, they are not only helping children to develop a love of reading, but they are also helping to ensure that even the youngest children have the opportunity to reap the benefits of exposure to books and family reading time.
With the help of generous donors like Outer Banks Kiwanis Club, Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is able to continue to provide colorful, new, age-appropriate children’s books to young children all throughout the county, currently reaching over 1,000 children each month. And with these books, children are being given the opportunity to expand their imaginations, build their love of learning at an early age, and prepare for their journey into Kindergarten. Families living in Dare County can register their children for Imagination Library by calling Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614. Please visit our website, www.darekids.org, for more information.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
OBX Donates to Imagination Library
OBX Bank has once again donated $1,000 for Imagination Library to Children & Youth Partnership. Standing left to right, Dee McManus, OBX Bank, Loretta Michael, Children & Youth Partnership, Penny Bentley, OBX Bank, and Phyllis Neal, OBX Bank.
OBX Bank has once again generously donated $1,000 to Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This OBX Bank’s 4th year supporting this exciting pre-literacy program for young children in the Dare community. This contribution will help ensure that children already enrolled in the program continue to receive books each month, and that new children can participate.
With the help of generous donors like the OBX Bank, outstanding children’s books are being mailed directly to young children in their homes each month until their fifth birthday. These children will be able to begin building their own library of books at home that can be read and re-read to them by their family members, nurturing young imaginations and laying the early foundations for learning to read. Early exposure to words, books, and nursery rhymes helps young children build language skills - and parents will be reminded each month when a new book arrives to create time to read to their child.
Any child under the age of 5 years in Dare County is eligible for the program, and parents may register their child by contacting Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614. More information about Imagination Library can be found on our website, www.darekids.org.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs, and resources for children.
East Carolina Bank Manteo Branch Donates to Imagination Library
The bank tellers at East Carolina Bank’s Manteo Branch present a check for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. Pictured from left to right: Megan Dickerson, Mary Twiddy, Gayla Kee, Lisa Perry, Whitney Tyler, Tina Daniels, and Carla Heppert of Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County.
Holding true to their description of being a “community bank,” East Carolina Bank’s Manteo Branch has shown their dedication and service to the Dare community with a generous donation of $515 to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Through their dedicated efforts and the generosity of their customers, the bank’s team worked together to raise the money to donate to Imagination Library, showing their commitment to ensuring opportunities for Dare County children to build reading habits and develop a love of reading that could last a lifetime.
With the support and generosity of local organizations, individuals, and businesses, like East Carolina Bank’s Manteo Branch, Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is able to continue to provide colorful, new, age-appropriate children’s books to young children all throughout the county, currently reaching over 1,000 children each month. With these books, children are being given the opportunity to expand their imaginations, build their love of learning at an early age, and prepare for their journey into Kindergarten. Families living in Dare County can register their children for Imagination Library by calling Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614. Please visit our website, www.darekids.org, for more information.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
Raising A Reader Completes a Successful Year
Two FFES More at Four children hold tight to their new Blue Library Bags and to each other on their way back from the Kill Devil Hills Public Library. The More at Four classroom visited the library as a field trip, to celebrate their “graduation” from the Raising A Reader take-home book bag program on May 24.
Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County, with funding from Smart Start and Dare Education Foundation, has completed a successful year with the Raising A Reader take-home book bag program at Dare County Head Start and Dare County Schools’ More at Four Classroom at First Flight Elementary School.
Currently implemented in three classrooms, Raising a Reader has provided bright Red Book Bags filled with four colorful and exciting books for almost 60 children to enjoy with their families each week. The book bags rotated through the classrooms among the children and families to encourage reading in the home, while children also participated in weekly “read-alouds” in the classroom. Families are encouraged to attend parent workshops and family nights as well, that promote “book cuddling” and literacy skills in the home.
As the final piece of the Raising a Reader program, a Blue Bag Celebration was held in collaboration with the Dare County Library, where children and families visited their local library, and received a library card and a Blue Library Bag for future trips to the library. This celebration showcased the importance of the library as a resource for families, and the significance of exposure to books at an early age for young children.
“Early literacy is the foundation of school success,” said Jonathan Wark, Director of the East Albemarle Regional Library System. “The Raising A Reader program successfully promotes good family reading habits. As these children “graduate” out of the Raising A Reader program, the Dare County Library hopes that we will continue to serve these children in the next stages of their reading and academic success.”
The Blue Bag Celebration for Dare County Head Start children was held at the Manteo Public Library during the evening of May 18. The children and families enjoyed a story time and a tour of the library, while also having the opportunity to browse the children’s section and check out books to take home in their new Blue Library Bags.
For First Flight Elementary School’s More at Four classroom, the Blue Bag Celebration was held as a field trip for children and their families on May 24. The children walked to the Kill Devil Hills Public Library to enjoy a special story time, learn about the “big library,” and receive their Blue Bags to take home as a special prize. After receiving her Blue Library Bag, one child exclaimed, “This is the best day of my life!”
“Raising A Reader has been a wonderful program to have in our classroom,” said Tara Deane, lead teacher in the More at Four classroom at First Flight Elementary School. “It provided our More at Four students with different books every week to share with their families at home, and our students looked forward to receiving a new bag of books each week. Not only did the students benefit from Raising A Reader but we as teachers did as well, by having new literature to share in the classroom. It was a great success!”
Since 2009, Dare County Head Start children and families have participated in Raising A Reader. This year, with the help of Dare County Schools and a grant from the Dare Education Foundation, the program was able to expand into First Flight Elementary School’s More at Four classroom. For the 2010-2011 school year, almost 60 children were able to benefit from the Raising A Reader program in Dare County. Currently, 27 cities and towns in North Carolina implement the Raising A Reader program.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
First Flight Rotary Club donates to Imagination Library
Since the beginning of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in Dare County in 2008, First Flight Rotary Club has been a strong supporter. This year, the organization has once again demonstrated their strong dedication to their community and the children within, through a generous donation of $1,000 to Imagination Library. Members of the First Flight Rotary Club recognize the importance of developing a love of reading at an early age and are committed to ensuring opportunities for young children to build reading habits into their daily lives. With the help of generous donors like First Flight Rotary Club, Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is able to continue to provide colorful, new, age-appropriate children’s books to young children all throughout the county, currently reaching over 1,000 children each month. And with these books, children are being given the opportunity to expand their imaginations, build their love of learning at an early age, and prepare for their journey into Kindergarten. Families living in Dare County can register their children for Imagination Library by calling Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614. Please visit our website, www.darekids.org, for more information. Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
Vincent Law Firm Donates to Imagination Library
Once again, Vincent Law Firm has demonstrated its dedication to early childhood and the Dare County community by continuing to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program with a donation of $1,000. As a supporter of Imagination Library since the program began in Dare County in 2008, it is clear through the generosity of Vincent Law Firm that the importance of Imagination Library for our community is recognized, and the importance of developing a love of reading at an early age is a top priority.
With the help of generous donors like Vincent Law Firm, Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is able to continue to provide colorful, new, age-appropriate children’s books to young children all throughout the county, currently reaching over 1,000 children each month. And with these books, children are being given the opportunity to expand their imaginations, build their love of learning at an early age, and prepare for their journey into Kindergarten. Families living in Dare County can register their children for Imagination Library by calling Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614. Please visit our website, www.darekids.org, for more information.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
CELEBRATE AND RECOGNIZE CHILD CARE PROVIDERS: FRIDAY, MAY 6!!!
Hard working, Dare County family child care home providers gave up a Saturday in January to attend a networking meeting and participate in training on Outdoor Play in Winter, sponsored by Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County.
The first Sunday in May has long been recognized as the day to honor mothers and their commitment to children. The Friday before Mother’s Day, May 6, 2011, is Provider Appreciation Day, a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers, school-age program staff, child care center directors and staff, and all those who work with children and are responsible for their education and care. It is estimated that there are nearly 2.8 million child care providers in the United States and that more than 11 million children under age 5 are in their care.
There are many ways parents can show appreciation to the special child care providers in their lives. Some suggestions are: send flowers, cards or a handwritten note of appreciation, pick up breakfast or lunch for your provider and for the kids, work with your child to create a special remembrance, buy something for your provider's play area, give your provider a paid day off, a raise, or a bonus.
Locally, Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County will be recognizing the early childhood professionals working in the local child care centers on May 6th, providing lunch to them at the centers.
They will also honor Family Child Care Providers and Center Directors in June during networking meetings and forums designed specifically for each group’s unique needs.
Every day, licensed child care providers in Dare County care for almost 500 children under the age of 5. Parents and guardians depend on the tireless commitment of providers so they can go to work knowing their children will be safe and happy. It takes a special person to work in the early childhood field, and these individuals are often unrecognized. Friday, May 6th is a day to recognize the hard work and tremendous dedication of child care providers, and to acknowledge their contributions to the community by offering high-quality child care.
To learn more about Provider Appreciation Day or for ideas on how you can thank your child care provider, contact Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County at 252-441-0614, www.darekids.org . For additional information, visit www.providerappreciation.orgDare County Business Leader Meets with Legislators in Raleigh to Advocate for Smart Start
Joins More than 50 NC Business Leaders and Governor Jim Hunt to protect the early childhood initiative from elimination
Kill Devil Hills — Tess Judge, local businesswoman and community volunteer, joined former Governor Jim Hunt and business leaders from across the state at the General Assembly on Wednesday, March 23, calling on legislators to preserve funding for Smart Start. Bankers, real estate agents, small business owners and farmers were among those joining the Governor to tell lawmakers that early childhood investments are vital to North Carolina’s economy.
The event included a press conference at 11:30 featuring Gov. Hunt; Robert A. Ingram, General Partner of Hatteras Venture Partners; and Dr. Olson Huff, Board Chair of The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., the organization that leads Smart Start.
Last month, an independent study from Duke University found that children in counties that received more funding for Smart Start and More at Four performed better on third grade end-of-year tests. The study showed that these early childhood programs created a “spillover” effect benefiting all children in the community, even those who never participated in Smart Start-funded programs.
In addition to improving educational outcomes, business leaders explained to legislators that high quality early education programs are essential to North Carolina’s economic recovery. Early learning programs allow 380,000 North Carolina parents to work. In total, these families earn almost $12.5 billion annually, money that goes back into the community through income tax and the purchase of goods and services.
“Employees who have high quality and dependable child care are more productive and have better attendance on the job than those who do not have that needed care for their children while they are at work. We are a working community, and this is important to parents,” said Judge. “Smart Start programs help prepare children for school, and this foundation for learning is so crucial during the formative years from birth to 5.”
For more information about Smart Start in Dare County, visit Children & Youth Partnership’s website www.darekids.org.
I Am Able to Work Today Because I Have Quality Child Care!
On Thursday, April 14th, child care programs and families of young children will participate in Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County’s campaign to recognize the importance of having quality child care available to working families. When parents drop off their children at licensed child care programs that morning, they will receive a sticker that states, “I can work today because I have quality child care!” They will be encouraged to wear their stickers to work to show employers, co-workers, and community members how many families rely on quality child care so that they can work.
Dare County’s child care professionals are dedicated, hard-working directors, teachers, and family child care home providers who teach, nurture, and care for many of Dare County’s children almost every day. Because of these early childhood professionals, parents can go to work with a little less stress and a little more piece of mind. Dare County business owners, employees, and job seekers all depend on high quality, reliable child care.
Studies show that quality child care improves employee productivity, reduces absenteeism, and cuts turnover. Child care is a significant part of Dare County’s infrastructure and plays an important role in the finances of families, businesses, and the local economy. Wearing the, “I am able to work today because I have quality child care” stickers may be a simple gesture, but it is a visible reminder of the need for child care and how it affects families, as well as employers and the overall community.
The Dare County Child Care Resource and Referral, a program of Children & Youth Partnership will be distributing stickers to licensed early learning programs in celebration of the Week of the Young Child, an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest early childhood education association.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
Children & Youth Partnership Present Imagination Stations
Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County will be hosting its first Imagination Stations literacy event on Friday, April 15 in Manteo. This free event will be held on April 15 from 9-10:30 a.m. in the gymnasium at the Lion’s Club Center at Westcott Park. Pre-registration is required for this event, and space is limited.
Based on books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, Imagination Stations will provide engaging literacy experiences for children ages 3-5 through story times and interactive activities related to some of the program’s most beloved children’s books.
Through Children & Youth Partnership, Imagination Library provides free, age-appropriate books once a month to children ages birth through five in Dare County. For the Imagination Stations event, three of these stories will be featured, including Pigs Love Potatoes, Llama Llama Mad at Mama, and Ducks Don’t Wear Socks.
Children & Youth Partnership will also be at the Easter Eggstravaganza hosted by Dare County Parks and Recreation on April 16 from 1:30-4 at Family Recreation Park in Kill Devil Hills. Join us for this fun family event.
To pre-register for the Imagination Stations event in Manteo, please contact Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County at 441-0614. Registration is not required for the Easter Eggstravaganza in Kill Devil Hills. For more information on Imagination Stations or how to register your child for Imagination Library, visit www.darekids.org.
Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
Children & Youth Partnership Meets with Dare Legislators to Request Maintaining Investments in Early Childhood Programs
Tess Judge, Children & Youth Partnership Board Member, met with Representative Timothy Spear and Senator Stan White at Tuesday for Tots to advocate for Smart Start.
“Science tells us that the first five years of life actually shape the structure of the brain and strongly affect whether a child will grow up to become a healthy, productive member of society,” said Tess Judge, Children & Youth Partnership board member. “We’re meeting with legislators to discuss the needs of children in our community, the science that supports programs like Smart Start, and why investing in our youngest citizens is a wise investment for families, the economy and our society as a whole.”
Tuesdays for Tots is an advocacy effort that takes place every Tuesday of the legislative session. Smart Start’s 77 partnerships across the state bring constituents from a variety of backgrounds to Raleigh for one-on-one meetings with lawmakers to explain the challenges facing young families and how Smart Start meets these critical needs.
State funding for Smart Start has been cut by $49 million over the last decade, $24 million of which was cut in the last 4 years, a period when families have increasingly suffered job losses and economic hardships and more children are living in poverty. The result is fewer services that promote children’s health and early education. These cuts are occurring at the same time that economists and other business leaders are advocating that investments in young children are one of the strongest strategies for sustained growth and job creation. In fact, the US Chamber of Commerce released a report highlighting North Carolina’s Smart Start as a national model stating, “Early childhood education has a tremendous impact on the national economic security and the viability of the American dream.”
Created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1993, Smart Start is North Carolina’s early childhood infrastructure. Smart Start’s 77 local partnerships serve all 100 North Carolina counties and provide the network on the ground that is needed to produce efficient and effective results for children birth to five. Local partnerships serve as a system to convene stakeholders to assess local needs, ensure accountability, and leverage private, community, state and federal resources.
Local residents traveling to the North Carolina General Assembly today included: Tess Judge, Sallie Ackley, Chris Brethauer, Elizabeth Tillett, Bonnie Brumbeloe, and Loretta Michael. Pictures are attached.
CHILDREN & YOUTH PARTNERSHIP FOR DARE COUNTY RECEIVES CLEAN AUDIT REPORT
Children &Youth Partnership for Dare County continues to receive clean audits
Kill Devil Hills – Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County (CYP) has a “clean bill” of financial health, according to an independent audit. An audit of 2009-2010 Smart Start activities found the organization was in compliance and had appropriate internal controls. CYP administers Smart Start for Dare County.
The state requires an audit of CYP every two years. Auditors look for compliance in three core areas: accuracy of financial statements; how the partnership processes and authorizes transactions such as grants, accounts payable, payroll and cash receipts; and contract compliance.
“We are very pleased with our results,” said Lisa Cafferty, co-chair for CYP. “We have worked hard to use every tax dollar wisely to help our children and our county thrive, and this audit shows we have done just that.”
Smart Start is the state’s early childhood infrastructure. Created in 1993, Smart Start is funded in all 100 North Carolina counties and is administered by 77 local Smart Start partnerships that serve as a system to convene stakeholders to assess local needs; ensure accountability; and leverage community, state and federal resources. Local partnerships have established community networks that bridge education, health services, and family supports to best meet the needs of young children and their families. Federal and private funders have invested millions of dollars in North Carolina’s early childhood system because Smart Start provides the network on the ground that is needed to produce efficient and effective results.
The North Carolina Partnership for the Children (NCPC), Inc. leads the state Smart Start initiative. NCPC places great emphasis on local control, coupled with strict accountability, oversight and measures to ensure financial integrity. NCPC undergoes annual audits and the Smart Start partnerships undergo either annual or biennial financial and compliance audits by an independent auditor.
For more information about the C&YP or Smart Start programs offered in Dare County, visit the Partnership’s Web site at www.darekids.org or call 252-441-0614.
True to their motto of “Service Above Self,” North Banks Rotary Club has once again taken action to support Dare County children and families through a generous donation of $1,000 to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Each year since the program’s beginning in 2008, North Banks Rotary Club has been a sponsor of Imagination Library, demonstrating their understanding of the value of the program in our community, and the importance of early reading and literacy experiences for young children. Through the continued generosity of donors like North Banks Rotary Club, Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is able to continue to provide colorful, new, age-appropriate children’s books to young children all throughout the county, currently reaching over 980 children each month. And with these books, children are being given the opportunity to expand their imaginations, build their love of reading and learning at an early age, and prepare for their journey into Kindergarten. Families living in Dare County can register their children for Imagination Library by calling Children & Youth Partnership at 441-0614. Please visit our website, www.darekids.org, for more information. Children & Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth, and families in Dare County. The Partnership administers the state Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age 5 and is a central source of information about activities, programs and resources for children.
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