Lower Cape Early Childhood Council

The Lower Cape Early Childhood Council generally meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  There are instances when the date changes. 

If you are a parent who has used some of these programs, you are encouraged to come and learn more about how these programs are funded, and how the funds are looking for next year.  If you are interested in coming to a meeting please call ahead to be sure of the place and time.

We hope to see you there!!

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS


Wednesday, June 16; Council potluck and wrap-up meeting for the year.

6 - 7:30 pm here at Cape Cod Children's Place
Call Kate or Elizabeth for more information.
508-240-3310

If you were unable to attend the infomation session,"MAKING ENDS MEET" held in November 2008, or the "Fun Fair" held in March, and would like to see the guide of contacts on the Lower and Outer Cape,
check out the guide here
The November event was sponsored by the Lower Cape Early Childhood Council and H.A.R.T., a Community Development Partnership Program

COUNCIL MISSION STATEMENT

The Lower Cape Early Childhood Council is committed to supporting the success of all families with young children in our region (Brewster, Chatham, Eastham, Harwich, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro and Wellfleet).  The Council works in collaboration with individuals and organizations within the community to achieve this goal by: building family supports that eliminate risks and cultivate strengths; and creating a network of parents, professionals, early childhood educators and providers that serve the needs of our isolated, rural region.

What does the Council do?
     The Council was formed in 1996. It oversees and implements programs for children and families funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant from the Department of Early Education and Care, and a Massachusetts Family Center grant from the Children's Trust Fund.  These grants are administered by Cape Cod Children's Place.
     
When and where does the Council meet?
      The Council meets at 6:30 PM the third Wednesday evening of every month from September through June. Call 508-240-3310 for the location and date of the next meeting.

New Council Plans:  The Council is incorporating several workshops into its meeting schedule.  All individuals working in any capacity with young children are welcome to join the group, which meets monthly during the school year and oversees grant-funded programs for children and families on the Lower and Outer Cape.    Call Elizabeth or Kate at 508-240-3310 for information about the Council and any specific meetings.

Who are the members & how can you join?
       Parents, early childhood teachers, childcare providers, people who work with families and young children, and individuals committed to supporting families are and can be members.
        New members can join the Council at any time, just by attending Council meetings. They will receive a copy of the Council Bylaws, which list the attendance requirements to become a voting member and describe how the Council operates.  Interested persons are also welcome to attend occasional Council meetings without becoming members.
                          click here for a list of members

The Council oversees the following grant-funded programs:

Early Childhood Resource Center * Dads group * Family Road Shows * Family Support consultations * Family Fun Fair * Moms & Babies group * Playgroups * Single Moms group * Workshops & discussions for parents and early childhood teachers and caregivers

What do the letters stand for?

CFCE - Coordinated Family and Community Engagement; Combining previous CPC and MFN funds and services.
CPC - Community Partnerships for Children grant; funds programs and services for children aged 2.9 - 5 years.
MFN - Massachusetts Family Network grant; funds programs and services for children aged birth-3 years and their families.
CTF - Children's Trust Fund; public-private state agency funding parenting education and family support programs; provides our MFC grant.
DCF - Department of Children & Families; provides support for families and intervenes on behalf of children who may be affected by child abuse or neglect; coordinates foster care placements.
EEC - Early Education and Care; state department that licenses and regulates childcare centers, family daycare homes, and afterschool programs that are not school-sponsored.
EI - Early Intervention; program operated by Cape Cod Child Development in Hyannis, paid for by the federal government; provides services for eligible children aged birth-3 years.
MFC - Massachusetts Family Center grant; funds parent education and support programs for families with children aged birth-6 years.
NAEYC - National Association for the Education of Young Children; an organization that provides quality standards and accreditation for centers and classrooms serving young children.
WIC - Women, Infants, Children program; provides nutrition information and healthy foods to pregnant or breastfeeding women and families with children up to 5 years.