 | For
more information on Early Childhood Programs, please contact
DEBBIE MILNE
Program Director
508-693-7900 x280 | |
To
review our Privacy Policy for Donors,
click here.
|
The
Family Networker publishes a complete monthly calendar of activities,
classes, groups, and events for the Family Center. Click
here for the Family Networker Calendar.
To be placed on the mailing
list, call
Jen McHugh
508-693-7900 x288 | |
|  | 
Early
Childhood Programs
 |
"When
we accept seriously the idea that children and their care
are the most important clue to future possibilities and real
values, we will be on a new road to civilization of a higher
order."
Helen Maley, Early Childhood Program Founder |
It was that
foresight and conviction that served as Helen Maley's vision to
provide an oasis for Vineyard children and families. Today, we know
it as the Early Childhood Program. Established in 1972, ECP's mission
to support the growth and development of children and their families
by providing parenting education, quality childcare, parent/child
activities, and individualized family support services, now reaches
out to over 1,100 families each year. The five components of ECP
are Center Based Child Care, the Family Daycare System, the Family
Network/Family Center, Head Start and the Supervised Visitation
Program.
- Center
Based Child Care provides care for children ages
3 months through 5 years and serves children of all income levels.
Located on the MVCS Campus, the center is accredited by the
National Association for the Education of Young Children which
recognizes high quality child care programs.
Early
Childhood Programs is now a
Universal Pre-school Pilot Classroom!
Click here
to learn more.
- Family
Daycare System
is a referral and support system for licensed in-home daycare
providers and families in need of childcare.
- The
Family Network/Family Center
provides education and support to parents of children prenatal
through six years old. Services include: playgroups; parenting
classes and discussion groups; consultation on parenting and
child development; family visits (home or elsewhere); health
and developmental screenings; family activities; a swap shop
of equipment and clothing for young children; a lending Library
of books and educational materials; activities to promote family
literacy; parent involvement and leadership activities; concrete
services in times of need; and referrals to other Island resources.
The Family Center, which opened in 1997 and funded by the Children's
Trust Fund, is the 'home base' for the Family Network and is
located at the MV Regional High School. Childcare or childcare
reimbursement and transportation is available for all activities
upon request.
Double Click here
for December Networker Newsletter & Calendar
- Head
Start offers a comprehensive, home-based
preschool program for families with children 3-5 years of age.
Believing that parents are the child's most important teacher,
staff and parents work in partnership to promote the child's
growth and development. The program includes: weekly home visits;
parent/child socializations; parent education group; health
screenings; family activities; parent involvement and leadership
activities; and activity vouchers for community offerings. There
is no fee for the program. Eligibility is based on income and/or
special need.
- Supervised
Visitation Program
provides a safe, structured environment for children to visit
with the non-custodial adult when supervision is required. Located
on the MVCS campus, the visitation space offers developmentally
appropriate play activities at the same time providing optimal
observation by a trained supervisor. Visits are limited to one
family at a time.
|
|
