If you would like to begin the enrollment process please apply here.

Nutrition services at The Resource Connection Early Childhood Program assist families in meeting each child's nutrition needs and in establishing good eating habits that nurture healthy development and promote lifelong well being. Every child in a part-day or full-day center is provided up to 2/3 of the child's daily nutritional needs, depending upon the length of the program day the child attends.

• Children learn about nutrition through a positive meal experience, as well as through classroom activities.
• Children, staff and parent volunteers eat together family-style and are served wholesome meals that meet the requirements for the USDA Child Care Food Program. (USDA Nondiscrimination Statement: "This institution is an equal opportunity provider.")
• Nutrition-related activities such as cooking experiences, gardening activities, reading stories, etc. are incorporated into the weekly lesson plans and home visit plans.
• Parents are given information about nutritious snacks/meals and various nutrition resources in the County.
• Parents are invited and encouraged to participate in healthful eating and meal planning classes offered throughout the county.

Parents are the most important influence in the education and development of their children. The purpose of the Home Visiting program is to build and strengthen parents' skills in identifying and meeting the needs of their children and families. The Resource Connection supports expecting parents and families with zero- to five-year-old children through a variety of individualized programs. These programs are offered at no cost to individuals or families.  

  * Weekly home visits for pregnant women and their partners, if desired (up to 90 minutes each visit) * Services offered include referrals to community resources and assistance in meeting personal appointments and goals * Curriculum promotes healthy pregnancy and fetal development, with information and support about such topics as nutrition, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, maternal mental wellness  

  * Family literacy is promoted during two 90-minute home visits per month * No income threshold to qualify for the literacy-based program * Services include language and literacy screenings, developmental screenings, and referrals to community resources, as requested * Curriculum promotes language, literacy, and school readiness and includes involvement in the Raising a Reader program and transition planning  

* Weekly, 90-minute home visits for families with zero- to three-year­ old children * Two Group Socializations per month offer families the opportunity to connect with each other while observing their children interacting and socializing with their peers. (Transportation is not provided, however, information for local transit will be made available. We encourage families to talk with each other and network for carpooling) * Services include infant-toddler development and health screens, referrals to community resources, and assistance to parents in developing and meeting their personal and family goals * Curriculum encourages health, safety, and nutrition and enhances gross and fine motor skills, literacy, as well as development of language, cognitive, social-emotional skills and school readiness

The Policy Council (PC) is extremely important in the operation of the Early Childhood Program. Each Parent Group is responsible for electing a representative and alternate to the PC. The composition of the PC is a minimum 51% parent representatives of currently-enrolled children. The remaining members are community representatives or former parents. There is a three-year time limit for service on the PC.

Responsibilities of the PC include:

• Program planning
• General administration
• Personnel administration
• Grant application preparation
• Evaluation of the program

The Policy Council meetings are the 4th Wednesday of each month 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.