The Carroll County Child Development Center offers a service that has been under-utilized by the community, but they would like to change that.
Home-Based Services, led by Jennifer Ellis and Rubi Avila, is a program designed to teach parents to be their child’s first teacher. The Home-Based option is intended for children from 6 weeks to 3 years old.There are services for pregnant mothers as well.
The program is hosting a kite party on March 28 from 12-1 pm at the back entrance of Gen. Butler State Resort Park. Both said this is a good opportunity for parents to learn about the program and socialize with other participants. The group holds regular social events for their families.
As center base slots open up, the home-based families may have the option to transfer. When they turn 3, they re-apply for Head Start, which is also income-based 3- and 4-year-old classrooms. “We’re bringing tools in to help them find things in their home that will have the same result” as being in the classroom, Ellis said. “We’re there to help them.”
The Home-Based option is income-based, however points are given for children who receive First Steps services, and the program offers referrals to First Steps if a delay is suspected. Applications for the program can be made at the Child Development Center, online through Facebook and the school’s website, or staff will even come to homes to help fill out the application. The application can also be reached via this link. https://www.childplus.net/appl...
Ellis and Avila work with children weekly until they become eligible to enter the Head Start program at the age of 3 or transition to an Early Head Start center-based slot. Their weekly visits last 90 minutes. Each teacher can serve 12 families. Currently, there are three openings in the program.
Avila brings the added bonus of being bilingual to her position. She started school at age 9 in Carroll County as an English as a Second Language (ESL) student. Avila said that experience helps her to better serve her families because she remembers how hard it was to enter the school setting and not know the language as well.
“We really do whatever the family wants,” Avila said. “We do activities on what they want or need. We just make sure they’re still having fun.” She does all of this while respecting the cultural boundaries of her Hispanic families. “We’re connecting and I make sure to really understand them,” Avila said, noting parents and children need to be comfortable with her before the learning really begins.
The ladies said their goal is to develop a good relationship with their families and work together to find what best suits the family and child. “I love working one-on-one with families,” Ellis said, noting she has even taught new moms how to cook or clean in addition to the educational aspect. “It’s about making the connections,” she said.
Jennifer Spillman, who is the ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance) Manager at CCCDC, said many parents mistakenly think babies can’t learn so they don’t consider applying for Home-Based Services. “Home-Based is a good way for parents to learn about developmental milestones they should be meeting,” Spillman said.
She also noted the program is lucky to have Avilia and her bilingual skills. “Our Spanish population values education and not being bilingual can create challenges in getting the most from education,” Spillman said. “Rubi has been a real blessing for the program.”
Everything provided by Home -Based Services is tailored to the age and skill level of the children. As in Head Start, they use play to help teach the children.
Home-Based Services is offered year-round and the ladies often work hours catered to their families. “Helping them doesn’t stop after 3 o’clock,” Ellis said.
