Embracing Quality on All Fronts

January 2019

Sharon Temple Child Care Learning Center has a new look for the new year. The center, who just completed re-verification in October, reinvested their tiered reimbursement money to purchase new furniture for the school. They have purchased brand new cubbies, tables and chairs, rugs and new furnishings in all the classrooms.

“The parents recommended getting new cubbies and from that recommendation, we started focusing on the aesthetics of the interior environment,” said Vickie Wilkerson, Program Director. “Our families are stakeholders and having the ability to have a voice in the program strengthens the overall program.”

“We wouldn’t have been able to do this without participating and receiving Stars funding,” added Wilkerson.

The program’s commitment to meeting the needs of its families is underscored through its partnership with Project Launch.

“Families are important to us and some children are having difficulties in this developmental area whether at home or here at the center. Family dynamics varies and children exposure to social emotional wellness will impact a child’s life and experience now and in the future,” explains Wilkerson. “So, we decided to focus on being a part of the solution to assist our children, families, and our community by educating ourselves, families, and children through partnering with Project Launch.”

This partnership has linked the program to numerous resources. Notably, through Project LAUNCH, program staff received training in a social and emotional curriculum called PATHS (Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies) to support children in increasing self-control, emotional understanding, positive self-esteem, relationships, and interpersonal problem-solving skills.

“Our teachers and families are gaining valuable strategies and techniques of how to deal with challenging behaviors, including knowing how to better care for themselves through training. Our results have been positive,” Wilkerson said.

In addition to PATHS, the program is currently using Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold to individualize learning.

Sharon Temple is not resting on these accomplishments. In fact, their plans are to install new flooring throughout the center in 2019 and to strengthen the partnership with Project Launch by supporting one or two families in attending Community Cafe meetings on a monthly basis.