The Children’s Center Of Wilkes continues to take the lead in the Get Up and Get Moving Campaign

The July winner of the Get up and Get Moving Campaign funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield and conducted by the Wilkes Community Partnership for Children is The Children’s Center of Wilkes.  They recorded 1,440,165 steps and Gail Cecile, Director, recorded the most individual steps 272,870 in July. The Get Up Get Moving Campaign is designed to increase physical activity of child care staff in Wilkes County by recording steps taken using a pedometer supplied by the Partnership for Children. 

 

The Children’s Center of Wilkes is a 5 star center and serves 42 children.  The Children’s Center of Wilkes was opened in April 1, 2002. Gail Cecile the current director/owner says she has been blessed to be a part of child development since August 12, 1986 when she partnered with Diane Bumgarner to become the owner of her own Center. Most of the staff that work at The Children's Center have been employees since the opening.  She says they provide many hugs, model kindness and an adventurous nature for all the children. 

For the third month in a row The Children’s Center of Wilkes has recorded the most steps. Wilkes Community Partnership for Children appreciates their dedication to the campaign and practicing physical fitness while serving as role models for young children in their care.

 

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children, a local Smart Start agency, is a United Way supported agency.

Crystal Call in new Wilkes County Child Care Health Consultant Position

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children through a contract with the Wilkes County Health Department announces the employment of Crystal Call as the new Child Care Health Consultant to serve child care providers and families in Wilkes County.

Mrs. Call comes with a wealth of pediatric and public health knowledge with experience in primary care, inpatient care, school nursing, communicable diseases and immunizations. She is certified in American Heart Association CPR/First AID Instructor. She holds a Bachelors of Science Nursing degree from Winston Salem State University.

As a Child Care Health Consultant, Mrs. Call will provide a vital link between the children in child care and preschools, parents, providers, and community resources. Crystal will assist child care providers and preschool teachers in addressing health and safety environmental needs as well as specific health needs of young children. Services will include: on-site consultations, immunization record reviews, and health and safety related educational opportunities for child care providers. All trainings are free with the exception of CPR/First Aid which will be $5 to child care providers. Call Crystal is at the Wilkes County Health Department at 651-7588 for more information.

 Wilkes Community Partnership for Children, a local Smart Start agency, is a United Way supported agency.

Welcome our New Early Literacy Coordinator: Amy Mathis

Amy Mathis is the new Early Literacy Coordinator for the Wilkes Community Partnership for Children. She will coordinate literacy programs such as Raising a Reader, Reach Out and Read, Dolly Parton Imagination Library and other literacy activities. Raising A Reader (RAR) is an early literacy and family engagement program for young children that helps families develop book-sharing routines with their child. Reach Out and Read is a program that provides children with a free age appropriate book at their well child visit to the doctor. Wilkes County currently has five medical practices that participate which include Wilkes County Health Department, Special Care for Special Kids, Wilkes Regional Family Medicine, Wilkes Pediatric Clinic, and Medical Associates of Wilkes. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is an early literacy program that fosters a love of reading among preschool children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month. A high quality, age-appropriate book will be mailed directly to their homes. 

Amy is a native of Roaring River who recently returned to the area after working in Charlotte and Cullowhee.  As a Western Carolina University graduate she brings a wealth of experience, including Head Start and the Goddard School.  Knowing how important the first few years of a child’s life are to their learning and development, the Wilkes Community Partnership for Children is excited to have a person on board that brings both a wealth of early childhood experiences and a passion for working with young children and their families.

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children, a local Smart Start agency, is a United Way support agency.  

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children announces June child care teacher winner in the “Get Up and Get Moving” campaign

 

 

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children announces the June winner of the “Get Up Get Moving” campaign. The Children’s Center of Wilkes logged a total of 1,446,550 steps in June. Pictured is June winner, Ms. Amber Shomake, teacher assistant of the 3-4 year old classroom at The Children’s Center of Wilkes. Ms. Shomake logged 262,834 steps and was awarded with a water travel mug. The Get Up Get Moving campaign is designed to motivate child care staff to be active. Participating staff were given their own pedometer to use on a daily basis to keep a record of their steps. The “Get Up Get Moving” campaign is funded by a grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation.

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children, a local Smart Start agency, is a United Way supported agency.

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children recognizes Early Childhood Teachers

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children has a recognition program for child care teachers based on observations by the Partnership staff of outstanding achievement in child care. Each month a teacher is presented with a door plaque with the teacher’s name in appreciation for the dedication to the children they serve. In July, Mitch and Tammy Spicer were selected. They are the lead teachers of the pre-k class at Safehaven child care center.  The teachers are husband and wife and have found a functional way to teach children from both perspectives.  During this year, they have begun to implement a natural playground setting which was greatly encouraged by the Division of Child Development.  The teaching team also attended a Creative Curriculum training to begin implementing throughout the center.  Creative Curriculum helps educators to create high-quality programs that meet the unique needs of the children and families they serve. The team is excited to begin another successful year at the center. 

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children appreciates their dedication to serving children in Wilkes County. Wilkes Community Partnership for Children, a local Smart Start agency, is a United Way funded agency.