OUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT

HOW ARE THE CHILDREN IN OUR COMMUNITIES?

Jefferson County Child Care Association and its members care deeply about our children, their families and the people that provide care for them in our community.

JCCCA MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

Membership is open to all licensed Home Child Care Providers and Child Care Advocates throughout the community. JCCCA members offer high quality programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children and children with special needs by:

• One consistent provider offering a stable relationship from infancy through school-age
• Caring personal relationships between provider, child and parents
• Diversity in the type of care available for parents
• Reasonable child care prices, convenient neighborhood care

JCCCA offers a support system to licensed child care providers. The Mentoring Program allows seasoned providers to share their expertise with newly licensed providers. All providers are encouraged to seek National Accreditation and Qualistar ratings in an effort to provide high quality childcare. Monthly meetings are held to facilitate networking between the members, to inform them of current childcare issues, and to recognize outstanding performance through the Provider of the Month program. Providers have other opportunities to support one another in monthly field trips, parties, area breakfast gatherings and an annual Recognition Luncheon.

Professionalism is enhanced and promoted through collaboration efforts with other child care advocacy groups such as: The Colorado Association of Family Child Care (CAFCC), The National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC), The National, Colorado and Metro Denver Resource and Referral, Qualistar, National Association for the Education of Young Children, Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children, Family Resources and Child Care Education including the Triad Consolidated Child Care Pilot, Colorado Children's Campaign, Red Rocks Community College, Child Care Workforce, and the Colorado Department of Education. JCCCA collaborates with CAFCC by hiring a lobbyist to represent child care providers and child care issues with legislators to support higher quality childcare within the State of Colorado. Members testify to legislators whenever needed to support issues that make Colorado a better place for children.

JCCCA offers many educational opportunities. An annual conference "WHAT IT TAKES!" conference is offered to all preschools, centers, before and after school programs, and home child cares within Metro Denver and the surrounding counties. Monthly association meetings, workshops are held in a variety of childcare topics which serve as recertification credit. An example is the Craft Extravaganza. Providers share their favorite craft project with other providers. The annual Tour of Homes allows members to share their knowledge and professionalism by opening their homes to other child care providers as examples of high quality child care environments.

Member/Providers love JCCCA! :

"I can't imagine doing child care without JCCCA - it offers a network of support, and relationships between providers that is PRICELESS!" Carol Mawhir, Arvada

"JCCCA provides educational moments and an opportunity to share triumphs and trials of our challenging career." Charlotte DeLoy, Lakewood

"JCCCA is the foundation for my home childcare." Lia Krasinski, Westminster

"A great support group. Where else can you go to learn and have fun at the same time? It's great to be part of a group. It's nice to know that I am not alone in this business. We all have stories to share." Anonymous

"Camaraderie, Education, Relaxing, Sharing, Enjoyment, Food, Expanding your mind, Learning others needs, Fun!" Anonymous

"The fellowship and support system means the most to me. The education and information is all important. It's good being in a group of 'like minds'!"

Jan Campbell, Littleton

"It's great to come and be apart of an organized group that is always wanting to get better at what they do with their children." Anonymous

"JCCCA isn't just a referral service. It is a wonderful opportunity to network with other providers. It is also a wonderful time for you to seek out ideas for art projects, field trips and other types of things. It is a really wonderful place to make friends and find out how others work with children." Terri Goodrich, Arvada

"Someone always has an answer about how to work through a problem. Child care is rewarding and JCCCA makes us really realize how important our work is. I value everyone involved in JCCCA." Sharon Thatcher, Arvada

"JCCCA has enabled me to work toward my full potential as a person, a child care provider, a leader, and someone that cares deeply about people, children in particular." Marilyn Dean, Littleton

A Resource Library is available to all members at the monthly meetings. Providers borrow resources to enhance their business.

JCCCA acts as a liaison between childcare providers and the Department of Human Services. Once a year human services is invited to speak at a monthly meeting to update and clarify rules and regulations.

JCCCA works on committees to have a voice representing providers in new rules and regulations and participates in pilot programs formed to facilitate the highest standards of quality in childcare.

Jefferson County Child Care Association reaches out to positively impact the Community by:

• The JCCCA Complimentary Referral Service connects parents looking for childcare with quality home providers.

• Participation in the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure
• Putting together and sending military care packages to soldiers and families in Iraq. These packages include blankets, food, toys and items for children in Iraq, and more.
• Boxes are created for Operation Christmas Child, an organization that presents gifts to children in need. The boxes contain books, toys, clothing and other children's items.
• Operation Undercover is a campaign where JCCCA gathers new undergarments for women and children staying at the Women in Crisis Shelter. Throughout the year, JCCCA supplies the women's shelter with other much needed items such as school supplies and personal hygiene items.
• JCCCA participates in a variety of parades and festivals throughout Jefferson County. Some of these include the Arvada Harvest Festival, The Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival, Lakewood Apple Cider Days, Summerset Festival, Colorado Kids Expo, and the Education Fair.

HOW ARE THE CHILDREN?

JEFFERSON COUNTY CHILD CARE ASSOCIATION

CARES!

Families love JCCCA! :

"As a parent of children in childcare, I don't know what we would have done if we hadn't found our child care provider through the referral service provided by Jefferson County Child Care Association. She gives credit to JCCCA for much of her education and practical knowledge. She is exceptional. No two days are alike, with a preschool program where my children have thrived. Sign language, Spanish, ABC's, the Pledge of Allegiance, crafts, story time, swimming lessons, gymnastic lessons, visits to nursing homes, museums, farms, cooking, painting, singing, and encouraging the children to be individuals." Parent in Littleton

"I used the JCCCA Referral Service to find childcare for my infant. I interviewed several childcare providers until I found one that I felt comfortable with. I have never regretted it. My child care provider has been a godsend (an angel) for our family." Parent from Littleton

"A JCCCA monthly meeting is a night to look forward to each month! It's great to be surrounded by such dedicated professionals who care deeply and share so many wonderful ideas and techniques." Rachel Echelmeier, Lakewood

"To me, JCCCA is a huge support system. As a self employed person-that can be hard to find and would be horrible not to have. JCCCA is a great educational program, too. We expect our mechanics to be knowledgeable in his business, our baker in his business, our banker in theirs, etc. What is more important than our children? JCCCA provides an outlet for providers. . . JCCCA is protecting our future - our children. I am very impressed with all the help, ideas and educational workshops that JCCCA provides us. I would be lost in this business without them. JCCCA gives me the knowledge and confidence to do my job well and stay motivated!! Sandra Bankhead, Littleton

"I think JCCCA is a wonderful organization. It has provided much needed networking for me and I'm sure it is one of the main reasons I am still in this profession!" Loretta Sampson, Littleton

"JCCCA is a wonderful group of women who are loving, supportive, and help me be successful - a better person." Corinne McMurray, Arvada

"It's nice to swap stories, ideas and tips with other providers. I've formed professional friendships and enjoy monthly chats with adults dealing in all the same things I am." Mynde Pineau, Westminster

"Thank you JCCCA for all the stuff you do to make us feel Special! I like coming to the meetings. I get a lot of new ideas and input from speakers as well as other providers plus adult conversations versus 'baby talk' (Ha! Ha!) Really, I enjoy the meetings." Kim Robey, Lakewood

"The first thing that comes to mind is the support. . . I have been involved with JCCCA for 21 years. I couldn't have been in the child care field for 22 years without this organization!" Marilyn Wirth, Evergreen

Submitted by: JCCCA, P.O. Box 280853, Lakewood, Co. 80228

Prepared by Marilyn Dean, President, Sue Kansteiner, Benefits