MONROE — United Way of Green County has received a $50,000 Community Innovation Grant from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to help regulated childcare businesses in Green County better address the mental health needs of providers, parents and families.

This is part of an ongoing, collaborative project to help expand and strengthen the childcare industry in their communities. United Way of Green County is working in partnership with Green County Development Corporation, Avenues Counseling, LLC, and a number of other partner organizations to ensure the success of this project. 

This grant will allow them to provide three critically important services to their childcare providers and families. First, infant and early childhood mental health consultation and personalized, on-going direct support will be provided for up to twelve Green County childcare businesses. This evidence-based approach has been shown to improve children’s social skills and emotional functioning; promote healthy relationships; reduce challenging behaviors; improve classroom quality; and reduce provider stress, burnout and turnover. 

Second, there will be monthly professional development opportunities specifically for childcare providers and families. These will be free, open professional development opportunities allowing families and providers to connect with one another while learning about how to enhance their capacity for providing children and families with strong, healthy relationships for providing optimal growth and development. Megan Schilt, Avenues Counseling, will lead the team of qualified consultants providing consultation for childcare businesses, as well as programming for the professional development series. 

Third, a professional mentorship program will be developed and serve as a directory to match experienced providers with those who are new to the field or to those who would like to collaborate with others for ideas and support. The goal of the mentorship program would be to reduce the turnover rate of childcare providers, increase support for new providers, and strengthen the services provided by creating a network of shared best practices. Cara Carper, of Green County Development Corporation, will take the lead to develop and implement the mentoring program.

This project will have a huge impact on many childcare providers, children, and families in communities all throughout Green County. 

“Our team was beyond thrilled to be awarded this grant! We are ready to get to work and we are excited about the significant impact these services will have in our community,” said Teresa Keehn, executive director of United Way of Green County.

United Way of Green County is one of only eight organizations statewide to receive this grant.

For more information, please email United Way of Green County at unitedway@pecbell.com.