Our Mission
To strengthen the capacity of educators, families, and the community to build a strong foundation for children’s learning and development beginning at birth.
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Letter from the Board Chair & Executive Director It has been a busy and productive year for the Buncombe Partnership for Children. As we reflect back on the year to highlight the efforts of our board, staff, families, community partners and providers, a clear theme for the year is ENGAGEMENT. We hope that it is obvious that one of the most notable efforts staff, board and consultants engaged in was laying the foundation for our re-branding that resulted in our new name, Buncombe Partnership for Children, and logo. Inclusion of ‘Partnership’ in our name emphasizes our mission to engage with all stakeholders.
children not enrolled in licensed child care. Families’ responses will play an important role in informing our future programing and influencing our strategic plan.
Our Champions for Children volunteers connected with multiple new audiences to The board of directors increased their engagement by developing anshare the First 2,000 Days public awarenual ‘Governance Priorities’ to ensure the board was doing a worthy job ness message about investing in our youngest fulfilling its responsibilities to the organization. Board members were children as the board and staff engaged with community partners and proactively involved in strengthening both their fiscal accountability providers to craft a cohesive public policy agenda in support of NC’s and their participation in fund development. There was also an emphaearly care and education system. sis on building relationships among the board members and the board We hope you will read this report and become aware of the high level and staff and offering educational opportunities to the board so they of engagement reflected in all our programs, projects and activities to would have a deeper understanding of the Partnership’s programs. support our mission to strengthen the capacity of educators, families, Beyond our on-going programs, staff engaged with the community and the community to build a strong foundation for children’s learning in two new and powerful ways to learn more about families’ interests, and development beginning at birth. needs, challenges and strengths. First, through a Photo Voice project, parents of young children were given the opportunity to share their Sincerely, stories giving voice to diverse perspectives while recognizing common themes. The Photo Voice exhibit they created continues to engage and educate the public about the demands, challenges and triumphs Jennie Eblen Amy Barry of parenthood. Second, the Partnership took the lead in coordinating local and regional needs assessments focused on families with Board Chair Executive Director 3
FIRST 2,000 DAYS
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here are only 2,000 days between the time a baby is born and when he or she will begin kindergarten.
During this time, the majority of critical brain development occurs, building the foundation for all future learning. Investing time, resources and money during this period is crucial for optimal development and creating a strong foundation for life success. The Partnership led the First 2,000 Days campaign and a team of 16 Champions to deliver six presentations to key audiences, including three faith organizations, the Kiwanis Club of Asheville, and staff of the Children’s Developmental Services Agency of WNC. Each year, the campaign continues to build momentum. As a result, the language and messages of the First 2,000 Days are being used throughout the community.
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2014-2015 Champions for Children Leslie Anderson Leslie Anderson Consulting Melissa Baker MAHEC Barbara Brownsmith Campbell Community Volunteer Kit Cramer Asheville Chamber of Commerce Suzanne DeFerie Asheville Savings Bank Jennie Eblen Eblen Short Stop Stores Lael Gray Asheville Jewish Community Center Gibbie Harris Community Volunteer
Lori Hilliard Buncombe County Schools Holly Jones Buncombe County Commissioner Julie Klipp Nicholson Buncombe County Family Justice Center Missy Sherburne DonorsChoose.org Susanne Swanger Buncombe County Schools Sheriff Van Duncan Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Terry Van Duyn North Carolina Senator Mike Weizman, MD Our Family Doctor
As a law enforcement professional, I know that the path to prison begins long before someone is arrested. For many, it begins in their earliest years of life. Too many children face challenges at home, in school and in the community that can have negative life-long impacts for them. Data shows that return on investment is the highest on prevention programs which target root causes of crime. This is especially true when it comes to issues involving juveniles. One of the most effective strategies that offer the biggest return on investment is that of early childhood development. — Sheriff Van Duncan, Buncombe County
When working parents must make a choice between paying for childcare or food and rent, children often end up in less than ideal care. They, and we, end up paying the price in not having a prepared workforce and worse. — Kit Cramer, President & CEO, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce 5
The good news is, locally we have the capacity and the infrastructure already built to respond to increased investments through Buncombe Partnership for Children. — Dan Rattigan, Owner, French Broad Chocolate Lounge
FOR FAMILIES
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amilies have many different needs when it comes to raising their children. The Partnership provides a variety of programs to meet those needs, including access to free or reduced-cost, high-quality child care, parenting programs and literacy-based play groups.
NC Pre-Kindergarten The program was expanded to serve 2 new sites and 23 additional children. A total of 435 children were enrolled in high-quality early care and education programs at no cost to their families; 67% had never been in child care before; 20% had limited English proficiency. Of the 328 children attending the program for a full year, 90% met or exceeded expectations for literacy and 94% met or exceeded overall expectations at the end of the year.
Child Care Subsidies 396 children received vouchers for reduced-cost child care and were served in 4- and 5-star rated programs. Caregivers of these children received subsidies to: • Work — 317 • Attain Higher Education — 72 • Complete High School/GED — 7
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Play and Learn Groups 56 infant, toddler and preschool groups were held in 8 locations across the county, serving 493 children and 459 adults. 94% of adults reported increasing reading and early learning activities with their children to more than 5 times per week.
Shape NC The Partnership collaborated with the Positive Parenting Program and 6 parents to complete a Photovoice project on “What it’s like to keep their children healthy and safe.”
The Incredible Years 16 parents/caregivers and 18 children ages 3-5 participated. At the end of the program, participating families reported a significant improvement in their discipline practices.
Transition to Kindergarten 442 family members attended workshops or information sessions. 3,600 Kindergarten Registration Booklets and Developmental Guides were distributed to teachers and families of rising kindergartners.
NC Pre-Kindergarten is a complex program and the local NC Pre-K Advisory Committee works hard to make decisions that are in the best interests of the children and families being served. This year we concentrated on establishing a Guiding Criteria document to assist the committee in making future allocation decisions and we continue to spend more time understanding the local child outcome data. - Allison Jordan, NC Pre-Kindergarten Advisory Committee Member
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FOR TEACHERS
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eachers have a great responsibility in caring for our youngest children. Interactions between children and their teachers encourage critical thinking and the soft skills necessary for success in adulthood. The Partnership is dedicated to supporting the professional development of teachers through training, classroom consultation and coaching, and providing financial assistance to attain higher education.
Child Care Resource & Referral
Preschool Intervention/Inclusion 98% of the 101 children served in 38 early care and education programs remained in the same program for at least 6 months after services ended.
Transition to Kindergarten 83 early care and education programs reported completing 84% of the activities on their kindergarten transition plans.
The WAGE$ Project
441 early educators attended 52 workshops, including CEU and multi-part training series.
112 WAGE$ recipients (early educators earning $13 per hour or less) were employed in 44 centers and homes, serving a total of 2,823 children.
94% of early educators participating in trainings reported gaining new knowledge or skills as a result of attending workshops.
72% of participants attained an AA degree or higher; 45% completed additional college coursework.
Child Care Health Consultation 60 workshops were held with 749 total early educators; 43 facilities received technical assistance and coaching for health improvements, impacting 1,995 children in child care programs. 17 children with special health care needs and enrolled in child care programs were supported by a registered nurse. 8
When our son was two years old, we noticed that he had some developmental delays, and his child care provider was concerned about his acting out behaviors. We tried multiple interventions, but the behaviors persisted. We sought additional help from our pediatrician and eventually received a diagnosis for our child. We enrolled him in a developmental day program at Irene Wortham Center West, but his behaviors presented again. I am a special education teacher, but did not have all of the information I needed to be able to help my own child. I contacted F I R S T’s Parent Center to ask about their SUNSHINE Project (Preschool Intervention/ Inclusion). 9
SUNSHINE staff member Brooks Davis observed him at school. Brooks worked with him to identify his triggers, taught him new coping skills, and designed interventions that worked for him and his teacher. The strategies Brooks shared with his teacher gave her the ability to create an environment where he could succeed. Brooks made a world of difference to our family, his teacher and the classroom as a whole. Today, my child’s behaviors have decreased dramatically at both home and school; he uses many of the strategies we learned from Brooks, and he has a more positive self-perception. - Serena Campbell, Parent
FOR QUALITY
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e believe all child care should be high quality, and all children in care should have the very best experiences.
We help centers provide developmentally appropriate experiences, nutritious meals, and create outdoor play spaces that inspire the imagination. The Partnership provides coaching, technical assistance, professional development, and funding to support continuous quality improvement.
Child Care Resource & Referral 93% of early care and education programs that received technical assistance maintained or improved quality, based on North Carolina’s star-rated license system. 26 centers and homes maintained high quality ratings; 1 facility increased their star rating. 7 centers and homes in Buncombe County participated in Shape NC and received mini-grants to improve nutrition practices and physical activity in their classrooms and on playgrounds.
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Child Care Health Consultation 100% of early care and education programs receiving technical assistance increased scores to adequate levels on the post NC Health and Safety Assessment in the areas of health, nutrition, safety, and sanitation. 79% of those facilities scored adequate at post-test on the environment rating scale for the star-rated license system.
Shape NC 26 child care centers in 6 western counties, including Buncombe, have committed to improving physical activity and nutrition practices. The Partnership provides intensive training and technical assistance for these sites, including Verner Center for Early Learning, one of two Shape NC demonstration sites in WNC.
Sustaining Facility Quality 54 four- and five-star rated early care and education programs received grants to maintain high quality care. 71% of children in child care in Buncombe County are served in high quality early care and education programs.
"The mission of Verner is for every young child to thrive. We know that health is a key component of this The mission of Verner is for outcome. Our natural outdoor learning every young child to thrive. environment, VEG (Verner Educational We know that health is a key Garden), and RIMT (Rainbow In My component of this outcome. Tummy - use trademark symbol), our Our natural outdoor learning signature food and nutrition program, environment, Verner Educational grew out of the desire to help children Garden (VEG) and Rainbow In My develop life long habits for healthy Tummy™ (RIMT), our signature living. food and nutrition program, grew Shape NC has inspired us to do even out of the desire to help children more to ensure we achieve this goal. As develop life long habits for a Shape NC Demonstration Site, Verner healthy living. is delighted to share our experience and practice with others." Shape NC has inspired us to do even more to ensure we achieve this goal. As a Shape NC Demonstration Verner -Jacque PenickSite, ofisVerner , Director delightedCenter to share our experience for Early Learning & and practice others. Shape with NC Demonstration Site - Jacque Penick, Director of Verner Center for Early Learning & Shape NC Demonstration Site
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West Asheville Academy
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Asheville City Schools Preschool Buncombe County Health & Human Services Child Care Services Association FIRST MAHEC Southwestern Child Development Commission Suzanne Metcalf
Individual Donors & Board of Directors
Community Committee Volunteers
Foundation Sponsors
Corporate Sponsors for Week of the Young Child Asheville Swim Club Eblen Short Stop Stores Epsilon, Inc. iplay., Inc. Johnson Price Sprinkle, PA Roberts & Stevens, P.A. TD Bank
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation Community Foundation of WNC
Civic Program Sponsor Kiwanis Club of Asheville
THANK YOU!
Direct Service Providers
2014-2015 Board of Directors and Staff Officers Jennie Eblen, Chair Co-Owner & Vice President, Eblen Short Stop Stores
Laurie Stradley, Vice-Chair Director, State & Community Collaboration, NC Center for Health and Wellness
W. Gene Loflin, Treasurer Assoc. VP Instructional Services, AB Tech Community College
Scott Workman, Secretary Assistant Vice President, Asheville Savings Bank
Board Members Richard Caro Resource Development Manager, United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County
Stephen Cash Attorney, Roberts & Stevens, P.A.
Deborah Gebbie E.C. Preschool Coordinator, Buncombe County Schools
Nelle Gregory Coordinator of Health Services, Buncombe County Health & Human Services
Phillip Hardin Economic Services Director, Buncombe County Health & Human Services
Holly Jones Director of Association Services, YWCA USA
Allison Jordan Executive Director, Children First/Communities In Schools
Emi Kubota Vice President, iplay., Inc.
Dawn Meskil EHS Executive Director & Preschool Program Director, Asheville City Schools Preschool
Maggie Panther Director, Children’s Developmental Services Agency of WNC
Debra Preneta
Melinda Raab Associate Research Scientist, Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute
Brian Repass Head Start Director, Community Action Opportunities
Missy Sherburne Chief Partnerships Officer, DonorsChoose.org
Larry Thompson, III
BPFC Staff Stevie Alverson, Early Childhood Program Consultant
Amy Barry, Executive Director Stacey Bailey, NC Pre-Kindergarten Coordinator
Natasha Bowden, Shape NC Hub Specialist
Abigail Campbell, Finance & Contracts Manager
Chief Executive Officer, Blue Ridge Area Foundation
Mary Jo Deck, Shape NC Community
Mark Upright
Sabrina DiCarlo, Office Manager Gwen Edwards, Professional
President and CEO, Eliada Homes, Inc.
Laurie Wilkins Manager, Mission Hospitals Child Development Center
Robbie Williams Executive Director, One Youth at a Time, Inc.
Gwen Wisler Councilwoman, Asheville City Council
Community Volunteer
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Engagement Specialist
Development Coordinator
Megan Hughes, Early Childhood Program Consultant
Ariel Ford, CCR&R Director Leslie Hales, Transition to Kindergarten Coordinator
Caroline Rodier, Assistant Director Jenny Vial, Early Childhood Program Consultant
$4,919,408.00
2014-2015 Funding
Affordable Child Care - 55% NC Pre-Kindergarten Program...........................................1,603,479.00 Administration - 7% General Administration........................................................... 206,912.00 Subsidy - Child Care Vouchers............................................1,081,494.00 NC Pre-Kindergarten Administration....................................66,547.00 Child Care Quality - 26% Multiple Accounting & Contracting Services......................56,788.00 Child Care Health Consultation............................................ 126,085.00 CCR&R Technical Assistance................................................... 169,834.00 Individual Giving & Fundraising Events - .5%...................23,081.00 Evaluation........................................................................................73,500.00 Preschool Intervention/Inclusion......................................... 142,000.00 Shape NC....................................................................................... 166,010.00 Sustaining Facility Quality...................................................... 524,561.00 Transition to Kindergarten........................................................72,767.00 Channels for Child Care Advancement CCR&R Grant........ 5,000.00 BCBS Outdoor Learning Environments................................... 5,000.00 WNC Healthy Kids Mini-Grant.................................................... 1,000.00 Program Income ............................................................................. 6,265.00
.5%
7%
4%
7.5%
Family Support - 4% Play & Learn Groups.................................................................. 118,000.00 The Incredible Years - Basic Parent Training........................17,250.00 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library........................................... 5,000.00 Communication & Outreach.....................................................25,000.00 CFWNC Regional Needs Assessment.....................................54,560.00 Professional Development - 7.5% CCR&R Training........................................................................... 153,000.00 Southwestern Child Development Commission...............42,275.00 The WAGE$ Project.................................................................... 174,000.00 15
55% 26%