MISSION
"Child Care Connections" Idaho's school age
program benefits communities and families by providing safe, educational environments for
youth in the non-school hours and to provide parent education.
VISION
Idaho's State vision is for ALL CHILDREN in Idaho to
experience a safe, caring, and educational environment in which to develop.
BACKGROUND
In 1991, Idaho had three Youth at Risk (YAR) projects in
School Age Child Care in Bannock, Canyon, and Ada counties. Idaho started the State
Strengthening Project "Child Care Connections" in 1995. In year one of
funding, Lincoln and Nez Perce Counties were determined as sites. Nez Perce After
School Adventures program started in late fall of 1995. The Lincoln County site
started their school age program in January of 1996. In year two of funding the Youth At
Risk Task Force had determined that Gooding and Idaho Counties would be the additional two
sites for implementation of school age child care programs. Each site has an active
community coalition that helps to support programming for youth and families.
Idaho's sites have a parenting component that develops critical parenting skills, improves communication, increases confidence, builds self-esteem and reduces stress.
A major component of the "Child Care Connections" project includes technical assistance and training in appropriate subject matter for school age and childcare providers. Some of the topics included are: positive youth development, human development (ages & stages), challenge activities (team building, problem solving), standards for quality school age programs, activity planning, and technology education,
The project strives to reduce risk factors for youth and families and strengthens the personal life skills of all participants.
COLLABORATION
Partnerships have been formed with Head Start, the Department
of Health and Welfare, local school districts and boards, law enforcement, community
action, resource and referral agencies, Idaho Community Foundation and private
industry. These collaborators have contributed dollars, resources and time to
"Child Care Connections".
IDAHO'S AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENTS
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
To enrich education through diversity the University of Idaho is an equal
opportunity/affirmative action employer.
EXTENSION INDICIA
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home
Economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, LeRoy D. Luft, Director of Cooperative Extension System, University of Idaho,
Moscow, Idaho 83844. The University of Idaho provides equal opportunity in education
and employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender,
disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran, as required by state and federal laws.
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