Early childhood resources are here
Article published in the Bennington Banner
Friday, October
24, 2003
Welcome to the Early Childhood Corner. Each month, articles
will be written to educate families in Bennington County
about such
pertinent topics as community resources, health
and safety, and early-brain research. Bennington County has a wealth of early care and education resources
available to children and families. Did you know: * That your family may be entitled to receive WIC services through
the Vermont Department of Health. For example, a family of four
with a monthly income of $2,837 (gross) is eligible to receive
this special supplemental nutrition program.WIC is for pregnant and breastfeeding women, new mothers and children
up to age 5. The WIC clinic also provides answers to your health and nutrition
questions, kids' health screenings and referrals to other health
and community services. If eligible, WIC can also assist in applying for Dr. Dynasaur.
If you already have Dr. Dynasaur or Medicaid, you can apply regardless
of income. For more information regarding WIC services please call the Vt.
Dept. Of Health at 447-3531. * That a family of four with a monthly income of $4,600 would
be able to apply for Dr. Dynasaur (Vermont's health insurance for
kids) if their child is under age 18. In addition a pregnant woman
in a household of four could have a monthly income of $3,067 and
be eligible for Vermont Health Assistance Program (VHAP). For more
information regarding health insurance please call 1-800-250-8427. * That the Family, Infant and Toddler Program is a family-centered
system of early intervention for children from birth to three who
have or may have special needs and/or delays in development. All families are eligible for information and referral. Please
call 447-2768 for further information. * That Success by Six is a collaboration of agencies working together
to ensure all young children enter school ready to be active learners.
Some of the funded activities are playgroups throughout Bennington
County, First Birthday Baby Bags containing health resources available
through your pediatrician or family physician office, and transition
activities such as kindercamps. For more information call 447-6413. * That Sunrise Family Resource Center offers a broad range of
educational and support services to families of Bennington County
and surrounding areas. Sunrise Family Resource Center also offers high-quality early
care and education, playgroups, parenting workshops, and individual
and group support. For more information call 442-6934. * The Early Childhood Partnership is Bennington County's Children's
Upstream Services project. Services include on-site consultation
and support for staff and parents focusing on emotional/behavioral
issues. Services are provided at home, at childcare sites, in the community,
and within an agency. A team of three early childhood mental health
specialists serve Bennington County. For more information call Sunrise Family Resource Center, 442-6934,
United Counseling Service in Bennington, 442-5491, or United Counseling
Service in Manchester, 362-3950. * That Bennington County Child Care Association provides support
and educational opportunities for licensed and registered child
care providers, recruitment of new providers, and offers a range
of consultation. In addition, the association offers educational and resource and
referral services to parents and businesses throughout the county.
For more information call 447-3778. Marlene Downey is Success by Six coordinator in Bennington County.
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