Early Childhood: Available Resources and Community Settings

Home. The child's home is the first consideration for community settings. Building early intervention services into the family's daily routine expands the impact of intervention as it involves the family and increases the likelihood of increased generalization. The homes of friends, relatives, or neighborhoods may be other options for expanding services and increasing social interaction and generalization of skills.

Child Care. Many children attend childcare or preschool programs during the day. This is one of the most obvious natural environments to provide expanded options. Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies provide referral information on child care programs throughout the state. Contact The Child Care Resource and Referral Network at 1-888-713-KIDS to reach the Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies serving your community.

Play Groups. Families may already be involved in informal playgroups in their neighborhood or with friends. Playgroups may also be formed based on the desire to enhance social, language, and other outcomes based.

Parks and other "gathering" places. Many times, neighborhood or area parks can play a role in expanding options. Families with young children often gather at neighborhood fast food restaurants like McDonalds to snack and play in the playgrounds. City shopping malls are also gathering places for young families as they provide large spaces to run and relax. Social skills and motor skills in particular can be developed in these play grounds and gathering places.

Head Start. Head Start is an early childhood program that serves children from three to five years of age from low-income families. Most communities in Wisconsin are served, at least in part, by Head Start programs. Early Head Start is available in several Wisconsin communities serving children from birth to age three. In addition to the educational programs for children, Head Start offers a range of family services including health, nutrition, parent involvement, social services, and mental health. Ten percent of the Head Start enrollment is required to be children with disabilities. To find the Head Start in your community, call the Wisconsin Head Start Association phone number is 608-265-9422.

Libraries Story Hours. Libraries frequently have preschool story hours that attract young children and their families. Libraries have special need coordinators or children's coordinators that are often willing to work with intervention programs to develop methods to include interested children and families.

Recreational Programs. Activities for infants, toddlers and preschool age can be found in most communities. These classes or activity programs are operated by a variety of sources including; the YMCA, city park departments, school recreation programs, and private program developers. Infant swim programs, tot gymnastics, play groups, music classes, and special events are common.

Children's Organizations and Community Clubs. Community and neighborhood clubs provide a wide array of programs, activities, and celebrations that can provide natural environments and community settings. Children's clubs and recreational programs such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, 4-H, school or city/park recreation programs often involve children's famous in projects and activities. Many adult communities groups include families in some activities such as family night, swimming, etc. Community organizations will also offer services or supports to families.

Family Resource Centers. A variety of family resource centers exist in Wisconsin. A variety of activities often occur at these centers including; parenting libraries, parenting workshops, family activities, referrals for other services, play groups, and parent support groups. The Children's Trust Fund, 608-266-6871 supports a variety of family resources centers and provide parenting resource materials throughout the state. Communities have used other funding sources to create family resources. Schools may also have family's centers in their building.

Neighborhood Agencies and Community Based Associations. A wide variety of agencies and associations exist that work with communities and neighborhoods. These agencies and associations often provide programs and activities that can be utilized to provide natural environments and community settings. Some agencies and associations are broad based and target community development. Others are neighborhood associations and target neighborhoods or specific populations. Examples of these agencies and associations include: United Way, Urban League, Centro Hispano, United Migrant Opportunity Services Inc., The Lao Human Rights Council, Hmong Mutual Assistance Associations, Salvation Army.

Churches and Religious Groups: Churches and religions groups provide wide range of activities as families come together to celebrate their common religious and spiritual affiliations. Besides their religious ceremonies these often provide a variety of other activities that can provide natural environments.

For questions about this information, contact Jill A. Haglund (608) 267-9625

Last updated on 2/25/2008 9:07:50 AM