First Steps and our community partners are working to ensure that Kent County children are ready for school—socially, emotionally and intellectually. From the time they’re babies, young children need a stimulating environment that allows them to explore and discover. They need a responsive, nurturing caregiver and positive interactions with others.
More than 60% of all infants, toddlers and preschoolers in Kent County have two parents in the workforce and are cared for by someone other than their parents or guardians. The quality of early care and education—whether it is provided by a grandparent, a neighbor, a church or a large center—makes a big difference.
FFN provider and children at a playgroup
Family, friends and neighbor care is the oldest form of child care and continues to be very popular. More than half of young children in Michigan who are cared for by someone other than their parents are in this type of care. No specific training is required to be a relative provider or day care aide, but research demonstrates the providers, children and families benefit greatly from support.
First Steps and our community partners recently completed the first year of a Family, Friends and Neighbor Care demonstration project, designed to strengthen the skills and abilities of unregulated care providers and the language and literacy skills of young children. Young children participated in literacy-based playgroups at which there were activities to support their language development. Child care providers were mentored by coaches who helped them strengthen their interactions with children, develop effective strategies for discipline, improve the safety and environment of the home and create activities based on state expectations for kindergarten readiness.
The early results are very encouraging! The first year evaluation found improvements in several areas: interactions between the provider and child; number of literacy actitivies in the provider’s home; learning development and social skills of young children; and access to community resources. Click on the link to read the full Family, Friends & Neighbors Year 1 Report.
Kent Regional 4C managed the first year of the project. Other community partners include Arbor Circle, Kent Intermediate School District, Salvation Army Booth Family Services, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Rapids Public Library, and Madison Square Christian Reformed Church. Following the completion of the initial demonstration project, we are working together to determine the best strategies to continue to support family, friends and neighbor providers and the children in their care. Check back for more updates.
FFN field trip to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum