At the recent meeting of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club held at the Hampton Inn, Sue Gwaltney and Rachel Richmond explained the Early Childhood Block Grant. “Through the Early Childhood Block Grant, the Junction City Family YMCA offers Free Parents as Teachers (PAT) services for families with children birth to 5 years old and the free Triple P – Positive Parenting Program for additional parent support. In partnership with USD 475, the school district provides space for the program and their activities, office space and equipment. The mission is to help parents be their child’s first and most important teacher!” Rachel said.
In tandem, Sue and Rachel shared that “there are 160 children enrolled and 2,000 more reached through community outreach. Ninety percent of the families qualify for free/reduced lunch; thirty one percent of the families identified speak a language other than English at home and nineteen percent of the children served are in foster care, living with a relative or are in some type of out-of-home care.”
The presenters also shared that “eighty percent of a child’s brain growth occurs from birth until 3. Early Childhood Block Grant staff teach parenting skills; are encouraged to read to and with their child; help parents better understand child development and the milestones established at growth points to monitor progress; help parents deal with stress; identify family goals and others. Fun activities are also an important part of the work being done with families, which may be done on home visits or in groups at Franklin Elementary School. Franklin Elementary School is located at 410 W. 2nd Street in Junction City. For more information the contact number is 785-717-6900.