Wilkes Community Partnership for Children recognizes Early Childhood Teachers for September

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 September, Wilkes Community Partnership for Children recognizes Amanda Brown from Double Trouble Early Learning Center.  She is currently a lead teacher of the Toddler room.  Amanda has shown outstanding efforts when working with young children by collaborating with others, assisting the children in learning new skills or words, and intentional planning that increase opportunities for learning.  She is currently taking courses at Wilkes Community College to further her knowledge in working with young children.  Amanda is certified in playground safety, CPR/First Aid, and SIDS.  She also has attended numerous Wilkes Community Partnership for Children trainings to increase her knowledge in providing developmentally appropriate activities when working with young children.

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

Playworks Early Care & Learning Center earns 5 stars

 

 

The Wilkes Community Partnership for Children is proud to announce that Playworks Early Care & Learning Center has been awarded a 5-Star rating from the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education, based on its excellence and quality in program standards and staff education.

The state uses a range of one to five stars to rate each program. Programs that meet minimum standards receive one star, while programs exceeding these basic requirements may apply to receive up to 5 stars, the highest rating. Star ratings are achieved by assessment of two quality child care components: staff education and program standards. In addition, one “quality point” is available to programs that make achievements in programmatic or education areas that are not addressed by these components.

PlayWorks Early Care & Learning Center is a newly founded program located in the basement of Benton Hall at 306 D Street, North Wilkesboro. The center is owned and operated by a mother/daughter team, Sharon and Katy Phillips. PlayWorks serves children ages 6 weeks-5 years old. The center has a low child/staff ratio to provide optimal care.  The center is staffed with NC state certified teachers and a CNA. PlayWorks is very family oriented and provides many family opportunities to enhance the home/school relationship.  The center will be hosting an Open House and 5Star celebration on Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 2-4 pm. To contact Playworks Early Care and Learning Center, call 818-2000...Where the First 2000 Count!

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children provides technical assistance, trainings, and on-site visits to child care facilities to assist in improving the quality of  their programs.Wilkes Community Partnership for Children, a local Smart Start agency, is a United Way funded agency.

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children Announces New Board Members

The Wilkes Community Partnership for Children elected four members to the Board of Directors for 2013-2014. Each of the members on the Board  brings a unique perspective and direction, as well as invaluable input of experience.

The  board  elected the following individuals to a three-year board term, from July 1, 2013 to June 30th, 2016:
Anna Lankford (Wilkes County Schools)
Anna Lankford is a graduate of West Wilkes High School and Appalachian State University with a BS degree in Elementary Education. She has taught and worked in Wilkes County Schools for 25 years as a kindergarten teacher, 3^rd grade teacher, instructional specialist, director of curriculum and currently as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. She lives in Purlear with husband Randy and two daughters Adrienne and Jessie.
Greg Roark (Carolina West Wireless)
Greg Roark joined Carolina West Wireless in 1993.  In 2006, Mr. Roark was named the Director of Technical Operations.  His responsibilities included the management of the Network Operations, overseeing upgrades, new installations, departmental budget and planning.  Most recently, Mr. Roark was named the Director of IT and Revenue Assurance at Carolina West Wireless.  In this capacity, Mr. Roark is responsible for the planning, security, adherence to industry standards as well as ensuring stability within the IT Department.  Mr. Roark is also responsible for the billing solution and the system development life cycle of the data center operations.   A native of the northwest North Carolina area, Mr. Roark served in the North Carolina Army National Guard.  Mr. Roark attended Wilkes Community College with a focus on Electronic Engineering.   He holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Information Technology and is attending   Northeastern University pursuing a Masters in Business Administration with a focus on Finance and High Technology.  Mr. Roark is active within the industry, enjoys volunteering and assisting in the development of the community and youth.  
Rosanna Limon (Wilkes County Schools)
Rosanna Limon is a Wilkes County native. She went to school at Wilkes Central High School and had a degree in Accounting. She has worked with the Wilkes County School System for 9 years serving as a Spanish Interpreter and Translator. She enjoys work in this position because it gives her the opportunity to meet all types of people.
Tathel Miller (Dreams and Kitestrings)

Tathel Miller is the Executive Director and Founder of Dreams and Kitestrings a non profit whose mission is to provide women and children the wings to soar by giving financial assistance to help achieve their educational, athletic, and career aspirations. Tathel is the Writer and Blogger of The Kite Journey  www.thekitejourney.blogspot.com. She is a member, Youth and Missions Coordinator, at  Hilltop Baptist Church. She has two children, Jill Miller Woodie and Daniel Miller and one grandchild,  Kase Woodie, six months old. She loves to read, write, bike, outdoors and nature and photography. She enjoys spending time with her family, church family, and friends.

 

They will be joining a seasoned 25 member board of directors dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young children in our community. Wilkes Community Partnership for Children, a local Smart Start Agency, is a United Way supported agency.



Greg Roark

Rosanna Limon

Tathel Miller

Anna Lankford

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children recognizes Early Childhood Teacher for August

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 August, Wilkes Community Partnership for Children recognizes Christy Rhodes for the hard work and dedication that she has given to the Mulberry community. She is the owner and operator of Amazing Kidz Family Child Care Home.  Her family child care home serves children 6 weeks to 12 years old. She is married and has 3 wonderful children. Christy chose to be a family child care provider to be able to be at home with her children and to work with other children to help prepare them for kindergarten. Christy responded by saying, “I am amazed by the way the children learn and the way they touch my heart. I would tell anyone that might be interested in being a home care provider to go for it. It will be one of the best decisions you could make.”   Amazing Kidz is a 3 star family child care home.

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.

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.