Christian Appalachian Project - A young child is eager for experience and is in a constant state of learning when young. Poverty however can diminish the educational opportunities and experiences available to children, and can further be compounded if the parents have very little education. CAP believes that by providing early education to children, along with engaging the parents in their own educational growth, the child will gain appropriate developmental skills as well as a positive view of education.

CAP operated child and family development centers are consistent in providing services that fall within the components of infant/toddler activities, preschool, and family literacy.

INFANT/TODDLER ACTIVITIES

Staff of the child and family development centers work with parents of young children, instructing them on the importance of touch, stimulation, play, good nutrition, and language development. In sessions, both at the centers and in the family’s homes, parents are taught to use everyday activities as opportunities for interaction and learning. Staff also use this time of interaction to note any potential delays in a young child. If delays are noted, an appropriate referral is made to the Parents Are Teachers program which works exclusively with children with developmental delays, established disabilities, or who areconsidered ‘at risk’ for delays.

PRESCHOOL
All of our child and family development centers are licensed by the state of Kentucky and follow nationally recognized curriculum in their programming for young children. Through play and small group sessions, children engage in activities that stimulate their cognitive, social, physical, and language development.

FAMILY LITERACY

Engaging the parent in their own educational growth is a crucial part of the programming and central to the CAP philosophy of ‘helping people help themselves’. With support from staff, parents may begin working on basic literacy, studying for their GED, or preparing for vocational school or college. Special presentations and scheduled field trips also serve to broaden the parent’s perspective, and to help them recognize their educational and employment possibilities.