Free Coaching Program Available for Reno County Childcare Providers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Childcare providers in Reno County can now access free professional development through the Build Me Up! Coaching Program, funded by an Early Childhood Block Grant.

The program is designed to support childcare providers and their staff in building strong, nurturing relationships with children and families while helping children develop cognitive, social-emotional, literacy and early math skills, according to program materials.

Coaching is available for centers, home-based programs and group childcare providers looking to enhance program quality or grow their professional skills.

The program offers 12 free visits with approved professional development training offered through the Reno County Child Care Coalition. Additional benefits include on-site coaching, networking opportunities with other childcare providers, family engagement strategies, and mini-grant funding of $500 distributed at the end of each program year.

Ramah Bird serves as the Build Me Up! Program Coach and Reno County Child Care Coalition Coordinator. She can be reached at 620-665-0403 or ramah@rcccc.org. Elizabeth Walton with United Way of Reno County also coordinates the program and can be contacted at 620-669-9320 or ewalton@uwrenocounty.org.

The program focuses on multiple areas of child development, including cognitive and physical development, communication, fine motor skills, problem solving, and social-emotional growth. Teachers receive targeted support in areas such as self-regulation, empathy, social communication and adaptive functioning.

Program assessments identify children with social-emotional, developmental and academic needs, which can lead to early intervention consultation referrals for families when appropriate, according to program information.

The initiative targets providers caring for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, particularly those serving families for more than 30 years. Program organizers note that ongoing professional development is essential for supporting children and families in the community.

Child care centers, home-based and group daycare providers, and Pre-K classrooms are all eligible to participate in the program.

More information about the Build Me Up! Program is available by contacting the coordinators directly.