I also emphasize how important it is for kids to stay in school, go to college or at least get a trade. If I can learn, anyone can. It teaches people with limited resources how to get the most for their food stamps and food dollars. The program covers importance of play, child nutrition, appropriate discipline, child safety and self-esteem. Nutrition and child development are very important in our field.
Parents are just as excited about the program.
The key is reaching home day-care providers where most poor children end up, Alexander says. They get training needed to properly care for kids, and credit for state certification as a licensed day-care provider. For parents of infants, help comes through a newsletter called Baby's First Wish , DelCampo says. Newsletters are mailed to parents of children up to 3 years old, and corresponds with the child's birthday so families receive relevant information about development, stress reduction and nutrition each month. The Department of Vital Statistics includes enrollment forms for the newsletter with every birth certificate mailed in the state, she says.