EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College's Family Connections program has received a one-year $6,315 grant from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation to provide professional training and development for child care providers in Lane County.
"Everyone agrees that qualified child care is important to Oregonians, but the state has very little funding to help providers continue their education in order to improve care," says Child and Family Center Coordinator Sue Norton. "We are deeply grateful to the Cow Creek foundation for their support."
The Foundation distributed $460,685 in grants to 63 nonprofits in Oregon, including Lane. Foundation Executive Director Carma Mornarich says, "The work done by these 63 non-profits is invaluable. Families, children, community all benefit from their efforts. Supporting the fabric of community is what the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation is all about. We're proud to partner with these organizations that are located in Cow Creek homeland territory."
In Lane County, the grant will increase a child care providers' capacity and eligibility to apply to the Oregon Registry and the Quality Rating Improvement System by supporting them financially through scholarships for college tuition. The Child and Family Center will use the grant to provide scholarships of $200 to providers based on financial need and the average income level of the children they serve. Participants will be able to enroll in any LCC early childhood education class that supports one of the five quality standards endorsed by Oregon's Quality Rating and Improvement System and help providers qualify for certifications under the QRIS.
QRIS is a statewide program that provides a framework for quality improvement for child care providers, while providing a tool that helps parents looking for quality early learning and care options.
Child care providers must complete a portfolio documenting attainment of quality standards in:
1) children's learning and development;
2) health and safety;
3) collaborative family partnerships;
4) personnel qualifications, and;
5) administration and business practices in order to receive a rating and become part of the system to improve child care in Oregon.
Family Connections of Lane and Douglas County is a division of the Child and Family Education department that supports families and care-givers in the two counties. The department offers a wide variety of training opportunities and topics for caregivers, and helps parents find quality childcare to fit their needs. Family Connections hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call (541) 463-3954 or visit online at http://www.lanecc.edu/cfe/lfc
Lane is an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabilities Employer
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