Success and a Scooter For nearly six months, CCR’s Homeless Child Care staff member Terrie had the privilege of working with a single mom who has two busy and beautiful daughters under the age of five. Terrie met ‘Sarah’ in a confidential domestic violence program where, because of a “no guest policy and confidentiality”, she lost the supports that had made her life work in the past. Sarah had a worsening genetic condition that has made mobility very difficult for her. She was walking with a cane when Terrie met her and was having trouble going up and down stairs much less consider taking a bus to get to child- care. Terrie went to work and identified a provider who could offer transportation, meet the early learning needs of the children and be counted on to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Terrie secured DSHS child care funding so Sarah could get to her domestic violence counseling, legal and medical ap- pointments. Terrie then turned her attention to meeting the family’s need of applying for Social Security benefits. When Sarah received her Social Security benefit, though, DSHS unexpectedly discontinued her cash benefits and her state childcare subsidy. CCR’s Homeless Program stepped in to pay for three full days and two part days of care each week for over three months, giving the family time to work out their next steps. During this time Sarah obtained an electric scooter to help her get around and she has used some of the time the chil- dren were in care to learn how to maneuver it safely. We are happy to say that her children continue to get door to door transportation from the family child care Terrie connected her with. Terrie’s working with her shelter advocates to figure out next steps for maintaining childcare for her children. CCR was able to direct Sarah to a community college that offers basic education and training opportunities (including a childcare subsidy). One day, around 4 pm, Terrie called to check in. Sarah said she was unable to talk because she was out in the little park near her housing program on her scooter watching her children play and enjoy the late afternoon sun. What a sweet image! Report to the Community for fiscal year 2011 It is during the really challenging times that non profits need to clarify their strategy and to stay focused on their mission. We are happy to report to you, our supporters, that Child Care Resources did just that in 2011. The recession put Child Care Resources (CCR) in the middle of a squeeze play between serving the increasing needs of families and providers and the reality of the economic impact on every sector that supports our work: government, foundations, corporations and individual supporters. The CCR Board decided that, despite funding challenges, this was the right time to take a fresh look at CCR’s strategic plan; to build on the organization’s strengths and position CCR to achieve our vision: every child has a great start in school and in life. In August, CCR embarked on a strategic planning process to support the organization in growing and moving forward with thought- fulness and innovation. A strategic planning committee comprised of members of the Board of Directors and Staff utilized a new form of strategic planning that resulted in a more flexible, real time strategic planning and ongoing monitoring process. Once data was gathered from a wide range of stakeholders, and a competitive analysis was complete, we developed an identity statement and strategy screen for the organization. We also identified the Big Question on the horizon that the organization needed to address; “How does CCR define and fulfill its unique contribution as a leader in the Washington State Early Learning community?” Although we know our work is vital for families and children, we needed to clarify our role as an organization while framing our strategies moving forward. CCR delivers programs and advocates for policy – both independently and in collaboration with partners – that increases the ability of families, caregivers, and providers to nurture the social emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of young children. CCR exercises leadership in the early learning community using our competitive advantages of: field expertise and cultural compe- tence that allows us to play a translator role between caregivers and policy makers; and our ability to leverage our expertise and data in a responsive way to inform decision-making. We have a diverse funding strategy, which prioritizes an increase in earned income and individual support reducing our reliance on government/public funding. With your support we have continued to define and fulfill CCR’s unique contribution as a leader in the Washington State Early Learning community with a King County focus. With deep appreciation, Laura Midgley Deeann Burtch Puffert Board President Chief Executive Officer CCR delivers programs that increase the ability of families, caregivers, and providers to nurture the social emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of young children. Resources for Families Through our CHILD CARE INFORMATION, REFERRAL and CONSUMER EDUCATION SERVICES, we helped over 7,000 families in 2011 (and over 150,000 families since 1990) identify and select quality child care. We emphasize support for families with low income. Starting July 2012 we provide this service statewide. Staff assesses the child care needs of families, in the language they prefer to use; provide referrals to appropriate child care providers and other community resources that enable them to access child care; and provide education about quality child care. Parents may also access the database, resource information and educational materials online. Research clearly demonstrates that the first five years are critical in shaping a child's life. Brain development is most intense from birth to 3 years of age and is compromised when children are not in settings – either at home or in out-of-home care – that positively support their cognitive and social-emotional development. Currently 60 percent of mothers with children birth to three and 75 percent of mothers with older children are in the workforce, making affordable, quality child care a critical necessity for many families. Family, Friend and Neighbor Babies are born learning. Children’s earliest experiences and relationships make a huge difference in the way their brains develop. Caregivers, like par- ents, have a significant impact on young children’s development. It is important that all understand that time spent with young children can positively affect each child’s growth and development. There are dozens of “teachable mo- ments” everyday in which family, friends and neighbors can help children develop skills that lay the foundation for school readiness. Caregivers are more likely to understand how children learn when they have access to information, resources and support. The goal of our FAMILY, FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR PROGRAM is a comprehensive, community-based network of supports and resources for family, friend and neighbor caregivers and the children in their care. This work is funded by private foundations, local gov- ernment, United Way of King County, and individual contributions. Our Work with Homeless Families Between 2006 and 2010, there was a 20 percent increase in family homelessness resulting from a variety of factors, including lack of affordable housing, financial setbacks, poverty, domestic violence, changing family demographics, and reduced government supports. In 2011, 42 percent of homeless children were under the age of six. Because research shows that the developmental foundations for learning and quality of life are established during the early years of life, when brain development is especially active, the insta- bility and stresses of homelessness have particularly concerning consequences for young children's healthy development and school success. For children without homes, a nurturing caregiver and safe environment are especially crucial to success later in life Yet child care is a major expense that working families are challenged to balance with their multiple other needs – finding housing, attending domestic violence counseling, seeking employment, and more. In 2011 our HOMELESS CHILD CARE PROGRAM helped 539 families who were homeless with 1,175 chil- dren by combining case management services alongside support for the child care providers who care for these children. Through our Homeless Child Care Program, we help thefamilies obtain child care, child care subsidies and other community resources in order to establish a supportive environment for their children and families; and deliver appropriate training and support to child care providers who care for children who are homeless. Child Care Financial Assistance The CCR CHILD CARE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM provided over 11,000 days of child care scholarships in 2011 to families who have moderate or low incomes, but whose incomes are over the threshold for the State’s Working Connections Child Care Sub- sidy. These families struggle to pay for child care at the level of quality needed by their children to be successful in school. To qualify for CCFA, parents must be working and/or completing their education and be ineligible for other financial assistance. Child Care Resources Annual Report 2011 CCR exercises leadership in the early learning community using our competitive advantages of field expertise and our ability to leverage our expertise and data in a responsive way to inform decision-making. Resources for Teachers and Providers CCR provides culturally relevant and inclusive technical assistance and training to the 2,200 licensed child care providers in King County. This is provided onsite and by telephone and addresses issues that providers are experiencing: a child of concern, marketing their program, creating an environment or curriculum that supports children's development. Staff also create materials that assist providers in developing and improving their programs, and provide trainings that offer basic to ad- vanced instruction on a variety of child development topics and best practices.