NeighborImpact launches new ‘Baby Promise’ child care program
NeighborImpact is one of three organizations receiving funding from the state to launch the Baby Promise child care program.
On Monday, Karen Prow, the director of child care resources for NeighborImpact, said they have lessened the eligibility requirements for families interested in the program due to COVID-19.
| NeighborImpact Child Care Resources Launches Baby Promise |
| Central Oregon- Even amid the chaos of COVID-19, NeighborImpact's Child Care Resources team have been hard at work to successfully launch the Baby Promise program. The program provides fully-funded quality child care for up to 109 children from ages six weeks to three years through multiple licensed providers in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. In order to ensure the quality of the child care being provided, NeighborImpact Child Care Resources will provide an infant/toddler specialist, among others, who will work directly with providers to offer training and maintain quality care. The program will also provide funding for high quality materials to enhance early education environments. Thanks to a partnership with Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon, each provider will also receive business coaching. As the first provider to contract with the program, Martha Murders, Executive Director of Mia's Sprouts, is excited about what this will mean for her employees and the children they serve. "I want (staff) to give 100 percent with my kids," said Murders. "Families put their trust in us, so I want to give them the best quality." The Baby Promise program is supporting 4 child care slots through Mia's Sprouts. Baby Promise ensures that providers receive premium compensation for the slots. In addition to improving quality, this allows providers to benefit financially by offering slots in the six weeks to three years age range, which are generally much more expensive to offer and taxing to maintain due to increased regulations and staffing requirements. For Murders, this means an ability to increase staff wages and retain high-quality early educators.  "[The employees] are there because it's what they love-even with a low income. So now it's my time to support them," said Murders. Baby Promise will be available to families in Central Oregon who are eligible to receive Employment Related Day Care (ERDC). "[NeighborImpact's Baby Promise] has an amazing team that makes all this possible," said Murders. Providers interested in participating in the program are encouraged to contact (541) 323-0090 As an essential business providing essential services to disadvantaged individuals in Central Oregon, NeighborImpact will continue to serve all three counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Those needing assistance may access services via telephone and online or in person in Bend, Redmond and Madras.  For updates on NeighborImpact's response to COVID-19, visit: https://www.neighborimpact.org/coronavirus-response/. About NeighborImpact Child Care Resources: Child Care Resources strives to strengthen child care in Central Oregon to support the workforce. We work to promote the success of child care providers and early educators in Central Oregon by connecting them to technical assistance, consultation, certification, information and training. NeighborImpact offers these resources to help child care and early education providers enhance their skills and strengthen their business. About NeighborImpact: Since 1985, NeighborImpact has been a leader in developing solutions and bringing resources to Crook, Jefferson, Deschutes County and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The agency offers a diversity of services meeting basic human needs for food and shelter, while enriching people's lives by providing access to increased education, skills, and hope for the future. NeighborImpact is a private nonprofit organization that receives federal, state and local grants, foundation grants and donations from individuals and businesses in our community. To learn more about NeighborImpact please visit www.neighborimpact.org. |
