Focus Areas
To build the economy of tomorrow, we have to invest in our children today.
We have a problem-too many children are at a disadvantage in getting the resources and education they need, which has huge effects on the children’s future, and the future of Watauga County. By providing support, you can not only make a positive impact on children in our community today, but also help build a stronger Watauga County for the future.
Supporting Families
Research shows that 95 percent of all families have needs after the birth of a child that are unique to each family.
The program provides between one and three nurse home visits to every family with a newborn beginning at about three weeks of age, regardless of income. Using a tested screening tool, the nurse measures newborn and maternal health and assesses strengths and needs to link the family to community resources.
Families need one or more links to resources or education after birth.
Less infant emergency medical care at 12 months.
For every $1 invested results in $3 of health care savings costs.
Young children develop and learn through their relationships with the adults in their lives – their parents, family members and their early childhood teachers when they are enrolled in child care programs.Early educators have the enormous responsibility of safeguarding and facilitating the development of our state’s youngest children, many of whom spend the majority of their waking hours in child care while their parents work. While many teachers have the knowledge, skills and resources to provide consistent, nurturing and positive relationships, too many others are not qualified and lack specific early childhood educational knowledge and skills.
Most infant toddler teachers are also woefully underpaid, earning an average of $10.00 per hour for the important work they do, even if they have degrees. This leads to turnover and instability in the classroom, as well as a workforce crisis as child care programs struggle to attract and retain qualified teachers due to low wages.
In order to provide young children with high-quality early learning experiences, teachers must be well educated, well compensated, and have the skills needed to support healthy development.
HIGH QUALITY CARE & LEARNING
