 | For
more information on Early Childhood Programs, please contact
DEBBIE MILNE
Program Director
508-693-7900 x280 | |
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review our Privacy Policy for Donors,
click here.
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The
Family Networker publishes a complete monthly calendar of activities,
classes, groups, and events for the Family Center. Click
here for the Family Networker Calendar.
To be placed on the mailing
list, call
Jen McHugh
508-693-7900 x288 | |
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Early
Childhood Programs
 | "When
we accept seriously the idea that children and their care are the most important
clue to future possibilities and real values, we will be on a new road to civilization
of a higher order."
Helen Maley, Early Childhood Program Founder | It
was that foresight and conviction that served as Helen Maley's vision to provide
an oasis for Vineyard children and families. Today, we know it as the Early
Childhood Program. Established in 1972, ECP sought to bring quality care
to the lives of young children and their families on Martha's Vineyard.
That goal, combined with today's mission, serves to enrich the lives of children
and their families through high quality child care, education and support services.
By increasing the awareness of the important role of adults in supporting, nurturing
and empowering their young children, the Early Childhood Program now reaches out
to over 1,100 families each year. As with all MVCS programs, the services
that follow are available for all families, regardless of ability to pay.
The four components of ECP Care Center Based Child Care, the Family Daycare System,
the Family Network and Head Start.
- Center
Based Child Care provides care for children ages
3 months through 5 years and serves children of all income levels.
Currently, 82 families are served. Located on the MVCS
Campus, the center is accredited by the National Association
for the Education of Young Children which recognizes high quality
child care programs.
- Family
Daycare System is a referral and support system for licensed in-home
daycare providers and families in need of childcare. The program currently
serves 55 families per week.
- The
Family Network provides education and support
to parents of children ages 0-5, including the prenatal period.
Services include consultation, parenting discussions and education
classes, support groups, health/developmental screenings, resource/referral
and child advocacy, lending library of toys and books, home
visits, monthly newsletter and family activities. The
Family Center, which opened in 1997, is the 'home base' for
the Family Network and is located at the MV Regional High School.
Currently, there are 853 active families in the Network.
The number is remarkable when compared to the overall number
of Vineyard families with children age five and under.
- Head
Start offers a comprehensive, home-based preschool
program that presently provides services to 42 families with
children 3-5 years of age. The program includes weekly
home visits which empower parents to be their child's main educator.
Parent involvement is encouraged via weekly parent education
groups, program planning and decision making. Health services
include immunizations and dental, medical, hearing, vision and
developmental screenings as well as social services including
mental health support and community referrals, are also offered.
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