'You are not alone in raising your child'

March 26--EDITOR'S NOTE -- This story appeared in the first section of Yearbook 2018 which was published in the March 10 weekend edition of The Register. Copies are available for purchase at our office on Big Hill Ave. during normal business hours.

The Madison/Estill Community Early Childhood Council hopes to be a valuable resource for parents and families of young children, while making the community a happy, healthy place for young ones to thrive.

Established more than 13 years ago, the council's mission is to partner with others who bring their skills, talents, knowledge and resources together to support school readiness, according to Kristi Lunceford, council co-chair.

"The goal is to support and educate families, so that their children are ready and eager to learn when they enter kindergarten," explained Lunceford. "We provide information on how families can engage their preschool children in developmental experiences that promote health and wellness, emotional and social skills, language, math and cognitive skills."

The group also focuses on reaching children not being served through programs, such as public/private preschool programs, or licensed/certified childcare programs. Objectives are often accomplished by sharing developmental information and activities in areas such as community events, advocacy events, community awareness, public forums, social networking and trainings, Lunceford said.

Support and information is offered to parents and caregivers, and to agencies that serve children, birth to five years old, and their families.

"We provide current research-based information to our communities about the importance of quality early childhood experiences, preparing children to enter school reading to learn and developmentally appropriate activities that families and caregivers can do with young children," Lunceford elaborated, adding that often links to other community resources are provided.

According to Ari Barron, council secretary, the group also connects early childhood professionals together so events and offerings aren't duplicated, but enhanced by everyone working together.

Projects are based on the needs of the community.

Supporting families

Among the programs and resources managed by the council is "What to Do When You're Two."

This program, Barron said, started because there were little to no services for children under age three.

"We wanted to reach out to parents to try to make connections so we could provide them with information on a regular basis on things going on in the community, books, education and parenting tips," said council member and children's advocate Phillis Adams.

The council's Facebook page was launched to identify and track families, so they could be given resources on a regular basis, also incorporating voluntary text reminders for events. Cards with the program's information was distributed around the community and soon the program and Facebook page grew.

Literacy is a key component, Lunceford noted. Often a representative from the council can be found at community events, where children are gathered, signing families to the program and rewarding the toddlers with free books. This gifting continues, if parents bring the children to certain events denoted on the What to Do When You are Two mailing list, they receive more books.

Periodic Facebook parties are held to allow parents to ask questions about stress, potty training, feeding and more.

Barron said she hopes the council is a community for young parents, a way for them to feel connected as they journey through parenthood.

"You are not alone in raising your child," said Barron. "There are people out there to help and support you."

Working together

Through one significant project partnership with the Madison County Health Department, Adams said the council is signing two-year olds up to receive free fluoride varnishes on their teeth.

Most recently, the council has hosted a Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) discharge training for medical professionals and social workers dealing with infants who have been exposed to addictive properties while in the womb. The training focuses on making sure that when a baby is born and placed, everyone involved in its care is on the same page regarding the child's needs, said Adams.

Approximately 30 volunteers from Madison and Estill counties made up the 503c non-profit.

"We have found that advocates can come from a variety of fields (e.g. education, medical, social services recreation and local government)," said Lunceford.

The council receives funding annually via a grant through the Governors Office of Early Childhood and in-kind contributions from partnerships with Madison and Estill County Schools, Berea Independent Schools, Head Start (Kentucky River Foothills), Madison County Public Library and child care providers.

Those seeking to volunteer, attend open monthly meetings and/or obtain a schedule, can contact the Madison/ Estill Community Early Childhood Council by visiting its Facebook page, calling 859-575-0770, or emailing madisonestillecc@gmail.com.

Follow Critley King on Twitter @critleyking.

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