Message from the Executive Director, Debra J. Gass

A spiraling economy and state budget/program cuts impacted our EES families and created challenges for our employees in 2009. Staff provided supportive scaffolding for our families and partnered with them to navigate through these changes.

Amidst the flurry of changes and challenges, EES staff remained focused and steadfast.  Many continued their own professional development in order to hone their skills and knowledge base.   Fifty employees participated in Dr. T. Berry Brazelton’s “Touchpoints” trainings to learn more about supporting parents, particularly during periods of disorganization.  EES teachers also participated in Vermont’s “Foundations for Early Learning” (FEL) workshops, where they learned how to build emotionally responsive learning environments for children.  EES is proud to be a designated Vermont FELS pilot site this year.

We received funding from the National Fatherhood Institute, to provide support services for fathers and other significant male role models. This August EES hosted a community wide Fatherhood Summit, where 40 community members and our staff gathered to discuss how this community can better support fatherhood.   The outcome of our Summit work clearly identified the need for ongoing, increased services for fathers.  EES will continue to work in this area, and we hope to expand theses services in partnership with others in our community. 

Current research indicates that young children who experience consistent and positive relationships with primary caregivers have increased levels of brain development.  This year, EES upgraded our teacher salary scale, placing our wages and benefits with those of public schools.  Competitive wages and benefits, coupled with a supportive work environment, promises lower staff turnover.  This achievement ensures greater chances of ongoing, continuous, and positive relationships with teachers and children.  These quality experiences will provide the opportunities for young children to develop kindergarten readiness skills and gain greater life success.  

EES will continue to provide services to assist families and young children reach their fullest potential through a host of quality services offered throughout Windham County:

 2009 Highlights

• 317  families received Head Start and Early Head Start services
• 2,126  children and caregivers participated in Playgroups offered in Guilford, Vernon, Jamaica, Newfane, and Brattleboro
• 250 families received services from Infant-Guidance Clinic
• 176 families received Welcome Babies visits, and an additional 76 families received resource packets
• 317 families participated in Reach-Up Welfare to Work activities

• EES early childhood programs achieved recognition from VT’s Recognition System (STARS) for going above and beyond state regulations to ensure quality programs for VT children and families.
• Fiscal audits last year yielded no findings
• High quality early education, nutrition, medical and dental care for 317 infants, toddlers, preschoolers and pregnant mothers in our Early Head Start and Head Start programs in Brattleboro, Putney and Westminster and in our Home Visiting option
• Head Start and Early Head Start enrollment was maintained at 100% throughout the year
• 18 Teddy Bear Teas held throughout Windham County with 554 Children and Families attending to introduce families to the education community
• EES, in collaboration with Building Bright Futures, participated in the Legislative Forum, “Desperate Times Call for Creative Times”
• EES provided transportation for EES families and community members to the State House Open House Stand Up for Kids Rally. Attendees were given an opportunity to speak to legislators, tour the state house and learn more about the legislative process.
• Continued collaboration with school district staff  with  kindergarten screening and activities

 

Most EES Head Start and Early Head Start parents received home visits throughout the year and participated in Parent Committee Meetings, Home Base Socializations and Policy Council.  Parents enjoyed visits to their child’s classroom, activities with their home visitors, field trips and Parent Activity nights.

Additionally, 124 EES family members participated in the following activities:

• Vermont Family Matters, relationship and communication skills building workshops
• Family Matters, parenting skills
• Dedicated Dads, 24/7, and Inside Out support groups and fatherhood groups for any father or other significant role models including incarcerated fathers
• Rocking Horse Project for parents dealing with the effects of substance abuse
• Quilting groups to foster practical and creative skills while building social networking skills
• Mother/Father Goose Literacy Programs for any parent interested in promoting literacy skills for their child (ren).
• Oral Health Services– dental access assistance for both children and parents, monthly Saturday morning Dental Clinics for children 3 years and under.

 
Debra J. Gass,
Executive Director

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