"We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say 'It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.' Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes." ~ Fred Rogers
What Does WDS, Inc. Child Care Resource and Referral Do?
Helps parents find child care... Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions families make, but all too often they must rely on word-of-mouth. WDS Child Care Resource and Referral help parents take the guesswork out of choosing care - giving them referrals to local child care providers, information on state licensing requirements, availability of child care subsidies, and other important information. WDS CCR&R can provide guidance tailored to each individual family by phone, in person, and on the internet.Supports families to raise healthy children... By talking with parents one-on-one, CCR&R counselors gain a unique understanding of the delicate balance of family life, particularly for low-income families. They understand that finding high-quality child care is just a first step to raising happy, healthy children. Through workshops, hot lines, and newsletters, WDS CCR&R reaches out to parents with trusted, local information that enables them to make informed choices.
Builds the supply of child care... In most communities, demand for child care far outstrips supply. WDS CCR&R provide an entry point to the child care field, helping providers meet licensing requirements. WDS CCR&R also supports providers by offering low-cost or free training in diverse topics like health & safety, child development, and sound business practices. WDS CCR&R work with local and state governments and the private sector to leverage resources for building and maintaining the supply of quality child care.
Improve the quality of child care... No one has a greater impact on the quality of care than the people who work with children every day. That is why WDS CCR&R provides ongoing professional development opportunities to child care providers and staff.
Bridges child care and education... High-quality child care has many benefits, including preparing children for school. WDS CCR&R strive to create child care settings that help children grow and learn. Educating parents about early learning and the components of quality care is also a major part of CCR&R services. WDS CCR&R is dedicated to informing communities about the important links between early learning and later success in school.Documents child care needs and trends... WDS CCR&R gathers information to better understand family needs and is a major source of information about the local supply and cost of child care. We can track trends about the changing needs of families.
Engage new partners... High-quality child care does more than benefit children; it can create positive results for entire families and for communities as a whole. By reaching out to business leaders, law enforcement, school teachers, and others, WDS CCR&R helps make child care an issue the entire community cares about. WDS CCR&R collaborates with other family support services to promote a holistic vision of child care that includes health, literacy, and special needs.
Tells the child care story... By providing resources, documenting community needs, and creating new ways to meet those needs, WDS CCR&R bring the voices of children, families, and child care providers to the public.
A Project of
Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral
and the
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"Child Care Resource and Referral is the gateway to child care in the community, it is the critical link that brings parents and providers together, that provides support, and helps make it all work everyday for children and families." Joan Lombardi
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