Funds available for Curry childcare providers

Newly licensed childcare providers in Curry County can qualify for up to $500 in reimbursements for health and safety improvements through the “Thelma Harms Health and Safety Assessment” program being offered by Southwestern Oregon Community College CARE Connections.

The program is designed to benefit children in care by encouraging licensed providers to make needed repairs and other health and safety improvements in their childcare environments. It is being funded by a grant from the Gordon Elwood Foundation of Southern Oregon.

Curry childcare providers who may qualify for the program include:

• Licensed childcare providers who became registered or certified by the State of Oregon Childcare Division after July 1, 2007, and actively provide care for children in Curry County;
• Registered or certified childcare providers who moved up to higher levels of licensing; and
• Exempt childcare providers who will become licensed before Dec. 15.

To participate in the program, each childcare provider and a CARE Connections consultant will survey the childcare environment to identify potentially unsafe conditions and hazards. Based on the results of this assessment, an individualized plan of improvement will be created.

Funding is limited and is being offered on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to sign up, those interested can contact CARE Connections at (541) 469-9299 or toll-free at (800) 419-1371. For more information about the vision and values of the Gordon Elwood Foundation, those interested can go online to http://www.gordonelwoodfoundation.org.

Press Release Date: July 30, 2008