More than 300 parents and children enjoyed a fun-filled family night together, thanks to funds from Smart Start South Central and the Strengthening Families initiative.
A young family enjoys a petting zoo and other activities during a family night event offered by the Strengthening Families initiative. Parents, children and staff members from three area child care centers participated in the effort that focused on helping build protective factors such as social connection and healthy social development of children.
Parents and their children from Becky's Family Child Care, Monnie's Day Care and Latta Kids Zone spent an evening at Cornerstone Kids Ranch north of Ada. The ranch has several moonbounces, a train, petting zoo and hayrides.
The event was part of the Strengthening Families program, a child abuse and neglect prevention program at each of the childcare centers. It focused on helping build protective factors to prevent child abuse, which include strong social connections and support with community and other parents.
Teachers and directors also attended to get to know parents better in an informal setting. The evening was made possible through a Quality Improvement Grant of $1,200 through Smart Start South Central, a program based in the Center for Continuing Education at East Central University.
This is the second year for the centers to participate in the Strengthening Families initiative, as well as the second year for the family event. For more information about Smart Start South Central or Strengthening Families, contact Trish Little or Cindy Byrd at 580-559-5367.
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