annual evaluation report 2011/2012 fiscal...
TRANSCRIPT
ANNUAL EVALUATION REPORT
2011/2012 FISCAL YEAR
Our Mission
The mission of First 5 Amador is to promote, support, and enhance the optimal development of Amador County's
children from zero to five years of age.
Our Commission believes that broad community involvement is critical to the success of this mission. With Proposition 10 funds we support projects that make sense locally based on identified needs and opportunities for children and families
in Amador County.
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Overview
Proposition 10, passed by California voters in November 1998, imposes a fifty-cent-per-pack
state sales tax on tobacco to fund a comprehensive, integrated system of early childhood
development services for California children ages 0-5. The overall intent of the initiative is to
prepare all California children to enter school healthy and ready to learn.
Evaluation efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to ensure local accountability, document
program quality and effectiveness, and measure progress towards outcomes. Each funded
program is diverse in terms of interventions and outcomes; therefore evaluation plans are
unique to each program.
In 2011, First 5 Amador requested grantees incorporate the Strengthening Families Framework
– Five Protective Factors
Research has shown that the five protective factors are linked with lower incidence of child
abuse and neglect:* *http://www.cssp.org/reform/strengthening-families/the-
basics/protective-factors
1) Parental Resilience – the ability to manage and bounce back from all types of challenges
that emerge in every family’s life.
2) Social Connections – friends, family members, neighbors, and community members
provide emotional support, help solve problems, offer parenting advice, and give concrete
assistance to parents.
3) Concrete Support in Times of Need – meeting basic economic needs like food, shelter,
clothing, and health care is essential for families to thrive.
4) Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development – Accurate information about child
development and appropriate expectations for children’s behavioral at every age help
parents see their children and youth in a positive light and promote their healthy
development.
5) Social and Emotional Competence of Children – a child’s ability to interact positively
with others, self-regulate their behavior, and effectively communicate their feelings has a
positive impact on their relationships with their family, other adults, and peers.
Challenging behaviors or delayed development can create extra stress for families, so
early identification and assistance for both parents and children can head off negative
results and keep development on track.
First 5 Amador
975 Broadway, Jackson, CA 95642 (209) 257-1092 www.first5amador.com
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Baby Welcome Wagon – Home Visiting
The Baby Welcome Wagon Program (BWW) has just completed its 11
th year in full operation.
The program’s mission remains unchanged from its original guiding philosophy of developing
the infrastructure by which local family units are provided the necessary tools to optimize their
home environment which in turn maximizes their child’s readiness for kindergarten entry. The
home visitation model is a face to face meeting with families preferably in the comfort of their
own home.
The Five Protective Factors addressed by the BWW are child development, parenting, concrete
support in times of need, parental resilience, and social connections.
The first home visit is structured around the delivery of the state provided Tool Kit for Parents
with a detailed overview and explanation of all the contents found within. The kit is customized
to include information specific to Amador County resources. While the program is beneficial for
any families with children 0 – 3 years of age, pregnant women remain the main target
population. Women who are pregnant during the time of the first face to face encounter receive
a second contact, preferably a home visit but minimally a telephone follow up after the infant is
born. This connection is vital in order to determine if the infant’s/family’s needs are being met.
The number of home visits is not determined by the structure of the program but by the
individual family’s needs. Each home visitor has the leeway of tailoring the amount of home
visiting support which best meets the needs of the new parent(s). Many local families are
disinclined to independently seek services within the local community. The BWW home visitor
serves to bridge this gap by bringing their expert knowledge of community services to individual
community families.
Home visitors kept up their professional skills during the year by attending trainings including
car seat safety; safe sleeping; inclusion; behavior; breastfeeding practices; and attachments and
children of addiction.
The program continues to partner with the Sutter Amador Hospital’s Diabetes Education
Program. It was realized the two programs shared a common goal of contacting new parents
after their baby’s delivery to determine if the family’s needs are being met. To this end, the
Diabetes Program refers women prenatally to the BWW program who then refers the postpartum
women back to the Diabetes Education Program for their final counseling session.
The BWW continues its partnership for the 2nd
year bringing the Tobacco Free message to new
parents. Tobacco Reduction of Amador County (TRAC) has supplied the program with canvas
bags which the home visitor presents to the parents with the Parent Tool Kit.
Total Number of BWW Referrals = 149
Jackson 38 Sutter Creek 21
Ione 36 Plymouth 5
Pine Grove 18 Fiddletown/River Pines 2
Pioneer 18 Homeless 4
Volcano 3 Unknown 3
Jail 1
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Total Number of BWW Contacts
Unable to Contact/Not
Interested
30 1st Home Visits Completed 95
Moved Out of County 0 2nd
Home Visits Completed 26
3rd
Home Visits Completed 5
Visits Pending 16 4th
Home Visits Completed 1
Families on 2nd
Baby
with BWW
3 5th
Home Visits Completed 1
Child removed - CPS 1
2nd
Contact – Telephone 12
TOTAL CONTACTS = 140
Type of Health Insurance on 1st Home Visit (Post-partum Visit) n = 53 visits
Medi-Cal: 29 (55%)
Private: 18 (34%)
Healthy Families: 2 (4%)
Private / MediCal 1 (1%)
None: 3 (6%)
# of Pregnant Women on 1st Home Visit (Follow-up: After birth insurance coverage.) n = 38
Babies with Medi-Cal: 17 Families lost to follow-up: 3
Babies with Private Insurance: 4 Adopted: 1
Babies with Healthy Families: 2 Pending appt./pregnant 11
Outcome / Evaluation:
85% of pregnant women will report having medical insurance for their child upon completion of
second contact.
-Results -- 100% of contacted families obtained health insurance for their infants.
Families reporting no insurance on first visit: 4
2 families assisted with MediCal obtained coverage
1 family obtained MediCal after 3 home visits
1 family applied and obtained MediCal with share of cost
Number of Public Health Nurse referrals from BWW home visits.
5 PHN referrals were generated from BWW paraprofessional visits.
2 families were opened to ongoing Targeted Case Management Services
3 families were not eligible/or needed intensive Public Health Nursing (PHN) home visits
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Head of household status of BWW home visit families: 2 parent household: 32 Single parent: 24
Married parents: 39 Grandparent: 0
All children within the home of BWW home visit families:
0 – 2 years of age: 104 3 – 5 years of age: 15
Total births to residents of Amador County for 2010 = 271
BWW and the “Baby Nurse”
Recognizing the warning signs is an important component when making a home visit. A
prenatal home visit was made to a single young woman. The initial visit went well and a rapport
was built. The follow-up visit was made within the first week after the baby was born. The
infant was born with a serious health condition. The mother appeared to be handling the
situation well; however, there were red flags that indicated a visit from a PHN was warranted.
The mother agreed and a PHN completed a nursing assessment. The young mother continues to
be followed by Public Health.
Upcountry and Camanche Community Centers
In order to reduce disparities in access to services and programs for families residing in the
Upcountry and Camanche Lake areas of Amador County, the A-TCAA Family Resource Centers
(FRCs) have continued to provide critical and supportive services that target families with
children 0 – 5 and promote the Five Protective Factors that Strengthen Families and Protect
Children.
Objective 1: Expand high-quality case management services for high-need families.
Activity: Family Advocates will provide services for 25 families with children aged 0 – 5
per year.
Outcome: Forty-two families received comprehensive case management (long term)
services, 27 families with children aged 0 – 5. Crisis case management (short
term – 30 days) services were provided to 122 families, 36 with children aged
0 – 5. Services and resources included referrals to domestic violence programs;
food distribution; transportation; behavioral health counseling; clothing closets;
and housing.
The Protective Factors impacted by these activities are “Concrete Support in
Times of Need” and “Parental Resilience.”
Objective 2: Provide support for parents to increase knowledge of child development and
become educators of their own children.
Activity: Complete baseline Parent Education Profile (PEP) scores for all families receiving
long-term case management services.
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Outcome: Out of 27 families with children 0 – 5 who received comprehensive case
management services, 24 received services for 6 months or more and have pre-
PEP and post-PEP data. The greatest gain was achieved in the area – Taking on
the Parent Role. The second area with significant growth was – Support for
Children’s Learning in the Home Environment.
Objective 3: First 5 programming will be offered at the FRCs.
Activity: Implement 0 – 5 activities at each FRC and assist with programs offered by
partner providers; 0 – 5 activities will increase by 10%.
Outcome: Staff and volunteers provided activities and outreach material during center food
distributions and multiple workshops held monthly at each center. During the
year, 320 families, 28 with children aged 0 – 5 utilized the bimonthly food
distribution program and 52 families, 21 with children aged 0 – 5 accessed the
centers’ emergency food programs. FRC staff provided assistance during 64
playgroups and 16 Kindergarten Readiness classes, assisted 17 families with
Healthy Families insurance applications, and provided bicycle helmets to 359
children through the Safe Kids program.
Staff continued to offer Baby Welcome Wagon services to Spanish-speaking
families. During this reporting period, staff completed two home visits with one
family. Staff also contacted two additional referrals that declined the service.
The two Protective Factors that were impacted by these activities are “Social and
Emotional Competence of Children” and Social Connections”.
Objective 4: Improve Information and Referral services for all families living in FRC
communities.
Activity: Provide a minimum of 15 hours per week of I&R service at each FRC through
staff and volunteer hours; conduct outreach so that families with young children
are aware of I&R services.
Outcome: Ten volunteers provided an average of 45 hours per week of I&R service
coverage for the Upcountry Community Center. One volunteer provided an
average of 15 hours per week and center staff provided service coverage during
all center hours of operation.
The Protective Factor addressed by this objective is Concrete Support in Times of
Need.
Objective 5: Collect data on FRC family demographics, service usage, and outcomes.
Activity: Provide simple reports that show family and participant demographics and center
service usage.
The total unduplicated count of households participating at the Camanche Lake Community
Center July – June of the program year is 201, 74 families with children aged 0-5.
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The total unduplicated count of households participating at the Upcountry Community Center
during the program year is 751, 138 families with children aged 0-5.
The member households represent the following individuals:
The Camanche Center offered 14 unduplicated classes or programs throughout the year and the
Upcountry Center offered 30 unduplicated classes or programs as well.
By offering critical and supportive programs that target families with children 0 – 5 and promote
the Five Protective Factors that Strengthen Families and Protect Children, the Family Resource
Centers continued to be successful in reducing the likelihood of child abuse and neglect and
increasing the potential for success of improved family functioning.
Mobile Outreach Program/Toddler Playgroups
The Mobile Outreach –Toddler Playgroup program had been in operation since 2003 and
consists of weekly “playgroups” in four locations. The program was designed to provide
services in multiple areas of the county thereby allowing easier access for families. Each
playgroup consists of a mobile-classroom with age-appropriate activities, child development
information, and resources for parents. The Resource Connection (formerly HRC Child Care
Resources) staffs the program and provides the equipment, material, and expertise. Playgroups
are open to all stay at home children 0 – 5 and their caregiver, grandparent, mom or dad and
licensed providers.
The Protective Factors addressed through the Toddler Playgroups include Social Connections,
Social and Emotional Competence of Children and Knowledge of Parenting and Child
Development.
Community resources such as health insurance assistance, food security, and educational
opportunities are made available to parents at each playgroup.
Playgroups assist with parental resilience by offering a network of other parents to socialize
with. Parents and caregivers share their stories, validate a parent’s concerns and approaches to
parenting, and share strategies that have been successful in their homes.
The Playgroups resource table provides information regarding local opportunities, child
development, social-emotional development, and the importance of play to foster learning.
0-5
children
6-18
children
0-5
parents
adults
seniors
50+
unknown
total
CLCC 111 284 175 274 46 23 913
UCC 158 280 184 456 376 0 1454
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The Playgroups provide an environment where children can practice their ability to interact
positively with others; self-regulate their behavior and effectively communicate their feelings, as
their parent is by their side to assist in the learning and observe their child’s development. This
environment can aid in early identification and assistance for both the parent and their child
should there be concerns regarding challenging behaviors or developmental delays.
Outcomes: There were 142 playgroups with 1,019 child visits. Two hundred and twenty-two
unduplicated children participated in the program.
Unduplicated Count (This represents approximately 15% of children 0 – 5 in Amador County)
Children 0 – 3 156
Children 3 – 5 66
Daily average for each location: Camanche = 6, Ione = 4, Pine Grove = 8, and Jackson = 8
Jackson has become the largest group with 322 total visits and 74 unduplicated children.
Jackson continues to be a hub site serving many families on a regular basis and many on a
random drop in basis. This site has many returning families which have bonded and created their
own community. Several parents have shown leadership roles and have become very helpful
with activities and clean-up.
Cal Fresh provided an education program once per month at each location. Material included
recipes, food sampling, and information regarding nutrition.
Parents were surveyed to determine overall satisfaction. Surveys were offered in-person, on
paper, and online (N=14).
54% of parents who responded agreed / strongly agreed they have learned more about parenting.
85% of adults felt that parents support each other.
92% reported playgroups allow their child to make new friends.
85% of adults agreed / strongly agreed the program is worth their time.
92% agreed / strongly agreed the program is fun for their child.
92% agreed / strongly agreed their child learns new things.
92% agreed / strongly agreed the information shared is useful to them as a parent.
92% agreed / strongly agreed the program teaches their child about getting along with other
children.
86% reported their child has health insurance.
14% reported their child has a special need.
One parent reported challenges with transportation.
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Amador Cooperative Preschool
Amador Cooperative Preschool (ACP) officially opened its doors in August of 2006 and is
Amador County’s only state licensed parent cooperative preschool. ACP differs from other
preschools in the county in that it is run by, and for, the preschool families. Each family shares
in the operation of the school, from administration to maintenance, and assists the teacher in the
classroom on a regular basis. The teacher and parents work together to create a positive, safe,
nurturing, and fun learning environment for all children. A strong sense of community flourishes
within this cooperative structure.
The Protective Factors addressed through the preschool include Social Connections, Social and
Emotional Competence of Children and Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development.
Children 3 years of age 4
Children 4 years of age 6
Children 5 years of age 6
Jackson (7), Sutter Creek (2), Pine Grove (2), Ione (3), Volcano (2)
Four children were identified as needing services for speech delay and are now receiving speech
through the school district. Two mothers were referred to the Baby Welcome Wagon; two dads
participated in the Dad and Me events; two families participate in the weekly toddler play
groups; 2 families participate in the Upcountry Community Center programs; 6 families
participated in a Kickoff to Kindergarten parent education night. Thirteen families participate in
the Imagination Library literacy program and 16 children received dental screenings from
Amador Smile Keepers.
This was a transition year for the preschool with a move to a new location and licensing. Parents
were patient and participatory during the process.
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Mini-Grantees
Lake Camanche Kindergarten Readiness
The Lake Camanche Kindergarten Readiness Program provided pre-kindergarten children in the
outlying Camanche area a chance to participate in activities that will help prepare them for
school. Activities address emotional, social, and educational skills that make them ready to learn
even more. A pre and post assessment (Kindergarten Readiness Profile – KRP) was
administered at the beginning and end of the program. Thirteen children 3 – 5 years of age
participated in the assessments.
Outcomes:
Children demonstrated an increase in the ability to stay with / repeat a task (18% to 64%). There
was also an increase from 18% to 82% of children able to follow rules and participate in routine
activities. Children demonstrated more self-control and self-regulation and there was a
significant increase (18% to 82%) in the number of children demonstrating general coordination.
There was an increase across the board of children able to separate appropriately from their
caregiver on most days of the program.
This unincorporated area of Amador County has limited resources and this program has been
well-received by the community for eight years.
Mind Matters Institute
The Mind Matter Institute was awarded a Community Projects Mini-Grant to provide an initial
assessment, social skills training, and treatment for young children with AD/HD, autism,
challenging behaviors, and learning disabilities. A total of eight children were served during this
period. Five of these children were followed by Dr. Ryan Thompson; one comprehensive
Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluation was conducted by an autism specialist; and six children
enrolled in Early Social Thinking classes. A total of 154 hours of service were provided to these
children.
Outcomes:
Examples of successes include – more confident and interactive; willing to share and to take the
initiative; speech is more intelligible and clear; stays with the group and follows directions; now
plays interactive games; better control of temper.
Early Start Social Thinking Classes:
A parent shared – “This class is amazing! I feel like after this class, not only is my child
communicating better, but I also learned how to help him communicate. He made a few new
friends and so did I. There were a few of the kids who spent quite a bit of time resisting being
part of the group. It was amazing to watch the work being done and the progress these kids had
in such a short amount of time. Not only did the kids make progress, but there were a few of us
moms who had a chance to sit and talk about everything from Temple Grandin to sleeping
issues. We almost had our own little support group.”
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Smile Keepers Oral Health Program
The Smile Keepers Health Promotion Initiative was developed to fill the need created by a lack
of dental care for young children in Amador County. Smile Keepers is a disease prevention
program that serves to protect teeth before decay begins by educating families on the importance
and techniques for the maintenance of good oral care. The program also provides oral screenings
for the detection of oral decay and the application of topical fluoride. When dental problems are
detected, the Smile Keepers’ staff assists families in accessing appropriate dental care.
Outcomes:
Children 0-3 61
Children 3-5 207
Children were seen at 15 locations, including preschools, playgroups, and the Celebrate
Our Children event. Services included education, an oral screening, and fluoride varnish
application.
266 children received a first screening; of these, 252 (95%) also received a fluoride
varnish treatment.
3 children received education only
101 children received a second screening; of these, 94 (93%) also received a second
fluoride varnish treatment.
Of the 101 individuals that received 2 visits, 14 (or 14%) had moderate or urgent dental care
needs discovered at the first visit. Of these 14 children, 4 (or 29%) had received dental treatment
by the second visit and improved their status. The remaining 10 children either showed no
change (5) or got worse (5). Of the larger number (87) of children that had had no active caries
at the first screening, 7% had developed caries by the second screening.
Parent education was provided to 104 parents at 11 separate events. The best estimate of an
unduplicated parent count is 99, based on the second encounter rate for children at the
screenings.
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Amador / Calaveras Counseling Center – Supervised Visitation / Exchange
Family Court Services has a need to provide supervised visitation and exchange to families who
are court ordered to have such a service due to concerns about domestic violence, substance
abuse or child abuse. The court works in collaboration with Amador Calaveras Counseling
Services (ACCS) to provide such a service. The court provides a referral form to the parents to
present to ACCS for the service. ACCS then sets up the intake and schedule. Interns and
licensed Marriage and Family Therapists monitor the visits.
Multiple referrals were made to parenting classes and community resources to support families.
Emotional health for the children is promoted by the visits since it allows children to have
continuing contact with both their parents in a healthy environment. The monitors serve as
coaches to help parents learn, sometimes for the first time, how to interact positively with their
children.
Children 0-3 7
Children 3-5 7
Siblings 6+ 12
Adults 50
Mothers Club of Amador County – General Support
Mothers Club of Amador County (MCAC) was founded in early 2004 by a group of local
mothers looking to create a support network. First 5 funding provided assistance with operating
costs so the club could remain free to all parents insuring that everyone has an opportunity to
participate. MCAC is governed by an elected board including a director and treasurer who work
in conjunction with the Amador Community Foundation to manage the club funds. Marketing
and outreach are done with flyers distributed through the information dissemination program
launched by First 5. The club participates in community events such as Celebrate Our Children,
Amador County Fair, and First 5’s Children’s Holiday Festival. An open house is held twice a
year to encourage new moms to meet the other moms. Childcare is provided so that parents are
able to attend regular meetings and events.
Members provide support to new parents by delivering home cooked meals after the delivery of
their baby. Home visits are provided to new families in the community and projects such as toy
swaps and speakers are conducted throughout the year.
Children 125
Adults/Families 84
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Project Bear Cub – Tobacco Reduction of Amador County
Project Bear Cub was established to encourage preschools and day care providers to create a
smoke free environment 24 / 7. Tobacco Reduction of Amador County provided education and
outreach that included voluntary pledges and educational incentives. Twenty-six sites
participated in the program benefiting 174 Amador County children.
Harry’s Garden – Monarch Montessori
Thirty-two children ages 3 – 5 participated in a garden project that emphasized nutrition, outdoor
activities, and community partnerships. The children, parents, and instructors learned about soil,
planting, harvesting, and sustainability by partnering with local businesses and community based
organizations such as the Food Bank. Seventy additional children benefited from the program
through events such as the Farmers Markets and Celebrate Our Children.
Smart Money for Success – Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency
First 5 awarded the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency funding to provide child care
for parents taking part in a program designed to assist families with financial challenges.
Twenty-one children benefited from this service allowing their caregivers to learn about housing,
improving the status of their credit score, and negotiating bill-paying during difficult times.
Speech Therapy Associates – Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends is a social skills program serving children with delays in social skills, such as
those with autism spectrum disorders, language delays, and attention deficit disorders. The
program provides a stimulating and positive group experience for children with social
communication needs.
Parents received weekly emails detailing their child’s goals and progress as well as activities to
work on at home, and how to involve the whole family. There were multiple opportunities for
parents to conference with the Speech Pathologist to help with carry-over of the newly learned
skills. Progress was measured through data collection in clinical notes and observation of each
student.
Seven children participated in the six-week session. Examples of progress included eye contact
during greetings, attending group activities, following directions, sharing, and turn-taking.
Anecdotal feedback from parents was extremely positive and all families chose to attend a
second session which was provided at no-cost by the provider.
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In-House Projects: Transition to Kindergarten
Background
The Bridge Program in Amador County began in 2003 and initially served 16 children. This
program was designed for children who would be entering kindergarten in the fall and who had
spent little or no time in a preschool setting. The program was designed to introduce the young
children to the structure and rhythm of the classroom. It was called a Bridge Program because it
was aimed to help children cross from the pre-Kindergarten environment to Kindergarten.
In 2012 the program served 101 children at all six elementary school sites throughout the county
including two classrooms in Jackson. We have augmented the program and continued to
improve it including student kindergarten readiness profiles, referrals, parent education, and
kindergarten enrollment outreach. In fact, we now look upon the program as a complete life-
cycle of events aimed at providing a more robust service bundle to Amador County young
children and their families as they prepare to enter Kindergarten.
Parent Education
Description
The parent education nights were held during January and February and were located at all six
elementary school locations within the school district on six different nights. During these
sessions parents had the opportunity to learn more about the expectations of their children
entering kindergarten in the fall. The meetings were facilitated by the School Readiness
Coordinator for First 5 Amador with support provided by the Director of Amador State
Preschools.
The meetings provided parents with information about school readiness and the nine desired skill
set areas that correlate to being ready for kindergarten. These nine areas were identified by
elementary principals, kindergarten teachers, early childhood educators, and parents and form the
basis of First 5 Amador’s “Bridge to Kindergarten Calendar” that was distributed to each family.
Parents were introduced to school staff, either the principal, kindergarten teacher(s), or both.
The enrollment process was reviewed and parents were given the registration date for their
school. In addition, parents learned about the enrollment process for the school district’s free
and reduced lunch program. This was important so that any pre-conceived ideas about these
programs could be clarified and the parents could become more comfortable with participation in
the fall.
Child care was very well utilized at each site. We hired professional child care providers and the
children enjoyed their time exploring the kindergarten classrooms. Parents expressed
appreciation in having this free service offered to them on-site. We provided healthy snacks for
both the children and the parents to help tide them over until their evening meals.
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Eighty-one families took advantage of these sessions averaging nearly 14 families from each site.
Three-week Summer Bridge Program
The program was offered at all six elementary school sites including; Ione, Jackson, Pine Grove,
Pioneer, Plymouth, and Sutter Creek. One-hundred one children participated in the program.
This number equates to roughly one-third of the County’s kindergarten population.
Teaching staff (lead teachers and aides) was comprised of:
kindergarten teachers from the Amador County Unified School District (ACUSD);
certified teachers who currently substitute in the district;
ACUSD special education aide;
preschool lead teacher;
instructional aides currently employed by ACUSD; and
students currently studying child development.
Each day nutritious snacks were provided. A survey was conducted to inquire about the
families’ participation in other First 5 funded programs. Forty-one percent of the children had
participated in the Imagination Library literacy program. Seventeen percent had participated in
the Toddler Playgroups and 20% had received a Baby Welcome Wagon home visit. Twenty-one
percent of the families were familiar with Potter the Otter and his message of water consumption
over sugary beverages. Thirty-three percent of the children had received an oral health screening
by Smile Keepers. Families were asked if their child had been to the dentist – 70% reported they
had. Seventy-five percent reported having some type of dental insurance.
Twenty of the 101 students (20%) had no previous preschool experience. Forty-one children had
MediCal or Healthy Families insurance. Envelopes are provided to parents each week
containing information regarding community programs, health topics (i.e. oral health), and
kindergarten readiness activities. Classrooms are rewarded for 100% parent participation for
returning surveys and learning-related activities.
Behavioral Specialists
First 5 Amador offers consultation services by experienced behavioral specialists to assist
preschool and child care programs in caring for children with behavior concerns, disabilities, and
special needs. A consultant is available to assist family child care providers and early education
teachers with a wide range of resources and services. The consultant offers phone and on-site
assistance to programs serving children ages 0-5.
The following is a summary of services offered:
1. Telephone Support
Lend support, listen, answer questions and problem solve
Help to identify “red flags”
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Support providers in communication with the family regarding concerns and referral to
consultation services and other resources
Assist providers and families in accessing appropriate resources
2. Program Observations
On-site consultation with child care programs and staff
Suggestions for program modification (e.g. making space more accessible, promoting
social skills and smoother transitions, behavior management techniques)
Educational materials (e.g. informational articles addressing specific needs of a provider,
suggestions on curriculum development, lending adaptive materials)
Training and guidance for staff to help meet the needs of children with specific
behavioral, developmental, or physical issues
3. Child Specific Observations
Assistance in making referrals to specialized services for children
Review existing adaptive equipment (physical, fine motor, gross motor)
Provide information about special education and working with the school system
Identify long-term resources to assist inclusion efforts (e.g. connecting child with Family
Resource Network, Valley Mountain Regional Center, Special Education)
The program began in October of 2008. First 5 contracts with behavioral specialists to provide
services to providers, children, and families. While First 5 piloted this program, a partnership
has since been established with Amador County Behavioral Health through the Mental Health
Services Act. Nine children received direct services through the program with one
comprehensive case providing assistance to a classroom. Thirty-one children total benefited
from the program. All children served were able to remain in their child care settings.
Dad and Me
First 5 Amador believes in the importance of father involvement and sponsors bi-monthly Dad &
Me events. Research shows that children who grow up with warm, nurturing, and actively
involved fathers reap tremendous benefits, including better school performance, increased self-
esteem, healthier relationships with peers and caregivers, and future access to greater financial
resources, according to a recent review of the research. In fact, children’s potential for academic
success begins long before school age. When fathers read to their young children on a regular
basis, they tend to raise children who are superior readers, who perform better in school, and
who have better relationship skills (Green, S. 2002)
Each of these events:
Is based on a book that families take home to help build their early literacy library;
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Is packed with an assortment of entertaining activities including planting, arts & crafts,
water play, games, and story time;
Provides families with healthy snacks;
Provides fun and easy opportunities to help children get ready for school.
Five events were held with a total of 84 children ages 0-5 attending (17 per event). Of these 84
children, 56 children were unduplicated. Sixty-two adults (fathers and grandfathers) attended the
events.
Imagination Library – Early Literacy
Originally created by Dolly Parton in 1996, the program mails a new, age-appropriate book
every month to registered children from birth until their fifth birthday - at no cost to the family,
regardless of income. Almost half (48%) of age-eligible children in the county are enrolled in
the program. First 5 funds the majority of the program, however, community service groups and
individuals have contributed toward the sustainability of the program.
Family Violence Reduction – Attorney Vouchers
In an effort to reduce children’s exposure to violence, First 5 Amador provides legal assistance to
cover the cost of restraining orders and initial court and attorney fees. The objective is to remove
any immediate danger. Twenty-five families benefited from this service during this fiscal year.
Outreach and Community Engagement
Outreach and educational opportunities were offered to parents, providers and the
community. Some of these include the coordination of a health festival in the
Shenandoah Valley serving Spanish speaking families. UC Davis medical students
provided translation regarding resources available to families.
Sixteen child care / preschool facilities received the Plays Well with Others – A Guide to
Social and Emotional Development. The guide includes an overview of social and
emotional development, local resources, and parenting tips. The guide provides age-by-
age breakdowns of typical child development, behaviors that warrant concern, and ideas
of steps families can take to help foster healthy social and emotional development in their
infants and young children.
Ten to 12 parents of children with special needs met on a monthly basis at First 5’s
facility to discuss challenges, ideas for stress reduction, and the availability of community
services. Topics covered at these support groups include nutrition, sleeping, partner
relationship issues, depression, challenges with siblings, health care, and stress.
Resources provided to families included children’s books such as My Many Colored
Days, and literature/DVDs for educations (Transitions for Young Children and
Challenging Behaviors for Young Children).
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Children’s Health and Safety Expo
Through a collaborative effort with the Amador Immunization Coalition, First 5 co-
sponsored the event. Some of the participating agencies and organizations included:
Sutter Amador Pediatrics, Amador Public Health, Amador County Unified School
District, Tobacco Reduction of Amador County, Behavioral Health, Dog Safety, Safe
Kids – Bicycle Helmet Safety Program, Amador County Recreation Agency, and gun
lock distribution. A grant was received by the Sutter Foundation to offset the cost of the
event.
Children’s International Holiday Festival
First 5 Amador’s Children’s International Holiday Festival was another success this year.
More than 300 individuals attended the event. Partner agencies that provided activities
for children and outreach to their families included: the Amador County Recreation
Agency, Amador Community Foundation, Amador Cooperative Preschool, Amador
County Library, Amador Fire Safe Council, A-TCAA Family Learning Center of Ione,
A-TCAA Family Resource Centers (Camanche Lake & Upcountry), A-TCAA Family
Resource Services, Head Start, HRC Child Care Resources, Mothers’ Club of Amador,
Operation Care, Amador County Public Health (Baby Welcome Wagon and Tobacco
Reduction of Amador County), Safe Kids, Amador State Preschools and Amador Child
Care Council. First 5 had Santa and a bilingual elf onsite for photos and an
accompanying school readiness activity.
Car Seat Safety
First 5 received a small grant to promote passenger safety. Car seats and material
including outreach brochures regarding the law, car seat basics, and smoke-free cars were
distributed throughout the county. Passenger safety checks were held in conjunction with
several community events.
First 5 Amador’s staff provides ongoing technical assistance and material design to our
grantees and partners. Our project coordinator’s creativity and expertise have given a
professional look to First 5’s outreach material as well as that of our partners.
First 5’s new facility allows for more community involvement and awareness of the
opportunities available for local families. Fitness classes, business and board meetings,
large fund raising events, and support groups utilize the facility which also allows for on-
site child care.