SCOTT: SCHD lands “Birth to Five” grant to improve early childhood education in Scott County
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
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The newly formed Scott County Collaborative kicked off activities on Monday with a play group event to promote developmental screenings for children from birth to three years old at the Winchester Public Library. The activities – and the creation of the Scott County Collaborative – was funded by a $12,500 Birth to Five Illinois Early Childhood Collaboration Planning Grant to the Scott County Health Department. In addition to providing information about and the opportunity to register for a developmental screening, Monday’s event also featured story time, movement and dancing, as well as books, snacks, and a craft to take home.
The newly formed Scott County Collaborative kicked off activities on Monday with a play group event to promote developmental screenings for children from birth to three years old at the Winchester Public Library.
The activities – and the creation of the Scott County Collaborative – was funded by a $12,500 Birth to Five Illinois Early Childhood Collaboration Planning Grant awarded to the Scott County Health Department (SCHD).
In addition to providing information about and the opportunity to register for a developmental screening, Monday’s event also featured story time, movement and dancing, as well as books, snacks, and a craft to take home.
With help from the Birth to Five grant, the Scott County Collaborative will work to improve Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services, enhance access to childcare, and connect families to essential resources within Scott County.
According to SCHD Community Health Educator Wendy Smith, the grant funding will directly increase the number of Scott County children that receive early childhood education services and activities, and the grant will better position families with young children for overall success.
“We are honored to receive this funding from Birth to Five Illinois, which will be instrumental in expanding access to early childhood education and care in Scott County,” Smith said in a release.
“This grant allows us to further our mission of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning. With these funds, we will not only increase enrollment in high-quality programs but also create pathways to connect families with critical resources that promote long-term success.”
As part of the grant, the Scott County Collaborative will work alongside local stakeholders to develop strategies that increase enrollment in high-quality early education and care programs, while also improving the availability and accessibility of child care services.
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Birth to Five Illinois announced that it has awarded a $12,500 Early Childhood Collaboration Planning Grant to the Scott County Health Department to form the Scott County Collaborative. The grant will be used to improve Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services, enhance access to childcare, and connect families to essential resources within Scott County. The Scott County Collaborative kicked off grant activities on April 7 with a play group event to promote developmental screenings for children from birth to three years old at the Winchester Public Library.
Through the Early Childhood Collaboration Planning Grant, the Scott County Health Department will partner with local organizations, providers, and families to assess the needs of the community, identify gaps in services, and develop a comprehensive strategy for improving education and care options available to families with young children. The initiative will also focus on improving overall access to child care and strengthening connections to resources that support child and family well-being.
Birth to Five Illinois Regional Council Manager Bridget English said in a release that improving early childhood education – in addition to improving quality of life for families and children – can help enrich the whole community.
“The importance of Early Childhood Education cannot be overstated,” English said. “This grant supports communities in making meaningful, data-driven decisions that lead to lasting improvements in the lives of young children and their families. We are excited to see the positive impact that Scott County will make with this funding.”
For more information about the Scott County Health Department’s work or the Early Childhood Collaboration Planning Grant, please contact Wendy Smith at [email protected].
The grant awarded to SCHD is part of a broader initiative by Birth to Five Illinois to strengthen Early Childhood Education and Care services across the state. Learn more at: www.birthtofiveil.com/funding.
