DEPC's efforts to improve child care centers focus on a variety of activities. DEPC also established a lending library for child care providers. DEPC also organizes parent education activities and materials, runs an information exchange, and provides resource and referral services. Other DEPC activities include a Community Fellows Program which provides leadership training at the grassroots level, and a mobile health unit that provides services to rural areas and screens children for lead poisoning. Approximately half of that amount is subcontracted to other local agencies that report back to Down East.
Funding is provided by a variety of sources.
In fiscal year 1998, Smart Start funds provided 86 percent of total funding. The federal Family Preservation and Support Grant represents about 5 percent of DEPC funds. The remaining 9 percent of funds comes from foundations and corporate donations. Local corporations also have provided in-kind support, including printing of materials, food, and toys. The funds are administered through a governance panel of executive directors of community organizations, local initiatives, parents, and service providers.