When Jamari first entered the infant room at Childcare Resources, he was a happy baby. But soon, teachers noticed that he was struggling to engage. The Wellness and Early Intervention team reached out to his mother Judean to ensure he received the proper support.
“Jamari was able to enroll in one-on-one speech, occupational, and physical therapy during school hours, on-site. I was thrilled to find out these additional services were available for him,” says Judean.
Through Speech and Occupational therapy, Jamari soon gained the skills he needed to interact with others in the classroom. Now at the age of three, he can grasp and communicate while maintaining eye contact, something he was incapable of before.
“I see a major improvement in his communication abilities,” says Judean. “He has learned and developed so much. It is amazing to see him engage with others in play and read through the picture books he loves.”
While Jamari was receiving support at Childcare Resources, Judean was pursuing her nursing degree. With the early drop-off time, year-round schedule, and affordable tuition, Judean was able to focus on her professional aspirations.
“Working full-time and going to school is hard enough, let alone as a mother. Childcare Resources played a tremendous impact in reaching this milestone since I knew Jamari was safe every day.”
In the spring semester, Judean graduated and is now currently working in her field. The supportive environment at Childcare Resources enriched Jamari’s early development and enabled his mother to pursue her career, supporting the entire family.
“I am so grateful to Childcare Resources for providing a safe place for my child to learn and grow. Thank you for your passion and the phenomenal role you play in Jamari’s future!”
Did you know?
Thanks to your support, students at Childcare Resources received 2,352 hours of therapy in the 2023-2024 school year.
Childcare Resources’ early childhood education coaches Amanda Gooch and Todd Morrow spend their days in the field, visiting classrooms across Indian River County, debriefing with early educators, and modeling strategies for teachers as they work with children. But above all, they offer hope and support to the teachers that need it most.
What is a typical day for a coach?
“I describe my days as riding the wave of coaching. I visit providers every day, observing teachers in their classrooms to later provide feedback and coaching centered around those observations.” - Amanda
“I love that no two days are alike. Some days, I’m in classrooms supporting teachers; other days, providing follow-up after professional development workshops. Anything I can to work directly with the educators we serve.” - Todd
What is most rewarding about your job?
“Being a coach allows me the honor and privilege to see all educators succeed. I love seeing teachers reach their goals and dreams, most of the time ones they never even knew were possible. They come to view themselves as the true professionals they are.” – Amanda
“Seeing teachers overcome professional struggles and truly shine in the classroom.” – Todd
Do you face any challenges as a coach?
“Unfortunately, many early educators deal with low pay and long hours which can be disheartening. I aim to give teachers the support and motivation they deserve so that they continue to make a difference in the lives of their students.” - Todd
Can you share a story of success?
“I was able to offer personalized mentorship and guidance to an early educator that was struggling to navigate the complexities of his classroom due to limited support and resources. Through this, he found renewed confidence and purpose in his career. There was a remarkable transformation in his classroom dynamics. From managing challenging behaviors to fostering a culture of learning and growth, his journey is a testament to the profound impact being made.” – Amanda
Going the Distance!
In addition to providing technical assistance, Amanda and Todd made over 700 coaching site visits in the 2023-2024 school year, benefiting early educators at 50 centers and organizations throughout Indian River County.
As the Wellness and Early Intervention Program continues to grow, there has been an increase in focus on supporting families in the areas of mental health and behavioral support.
Mental and Behavioral Health Coach Jessica Halpin started her journey in the mental health field with a genuine desire to help children reach their full potential. She helps Childcare Resources program students who are struggling with separation anxiety, panic attacks, aggression, and family trauma.
“I am driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed,” says Jessica. “I enjoy personalizing interventions and modalities to each child’s needs. It’s so rewarding to watch them improve and grow on a weekly basis.”
Additionally, Childcare Resources’ on-staff Case Manager Diana Pena offers a vast array of support for children and families.
“Diana’s impact is deep and wide,” says Tracey Griffis, Director of Wellness and Early Intervention. “Last year alone, she assisted twenty-four families with housing issues, impacted seventy families with parenting support and outreach, while offering referrals and resources to seventy-nine of our families.”
With the tireless efforts of professionals like Jessica and Diana, families are not only receiving critical mental and behavioral health support but also comprehensive assistance that addresses their broader needs.
Through funding from the Indian River Hospital District Trustees, Childcare Resources obtained the Florida Association of Infant Mental Health (FAIMH) Endorsement for all of its teachers, making Childcare Resources the only school in the state of Florida to do so.
“We hope to see more childcare programs in Florida follow the model that Childcare Resources has set for our state,” says Christine R. Hughes, PhD, Executive Director, FAIMH.
By achieving the FAIMH endorsement, Childcare Resources demonstrates its commitment to excellence in early childhood mental health, ensuring that its educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support the well-being and development of our community’s youngest members.
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