August 16, 2016
MONTGOMERY-The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) has been awarded a grant by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) to help expand high-quality early learning opportunities for young infants and toddlers by providing core operating support for the Early Head Start Child-Care Partnership (EHS-CCP). The $750,000 grant will be used to improve the quality of services for children in licensed programs in Alabama. The EHS-CCP Program will serve 100% of families through the EHS-CCP Partnerships in center-based and family child care program options.
The WKKF funds will help to build the capacity of the existing 8 EHS-CCP Partners. The funding will assist in areas to strengthen their knowledge and implementation of the EHS standards. Intensive support and training is needed to assure that these family home providers meet all EHS requirements and professional development standards.
“It’s important that children receive quality care in child care centers and homes,” stated DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “The Kellogg Foundation grant will help assure quality child care by funding additional comprehensive services that were not budgeted or planned for and are being identified in areas such as health, safety and mental health needs.“
An additional challenge to be addressed by the grant is the implementation of a comprehensive and reliable statewide self-assessment of the EHS-CCP Program. WKKF funds will help to ensure quality service delivery to children and their families who are participating in the EHS-CCP Program.
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The Alabama Department of Human Resources Child Care Services Division is the state’s Child Care and Development Fund administrator, responsible for the child care subsidy program and quality initiatives. In addition, the Division is also responsible for monitoring and licensing child care centers for compliance with minimum standards.
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer, Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.
The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Mich., and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org.
Contact: Barry Spear @ (334) 242-1850
