FAMILY RESOURCES & INFORMATION
More than Child Care!
Why Quality Early Education is Crucial?
“All of a child’s early experiences, whether at home, in child care, or in other preschool settings, are educational. When early experiences are consistent, developmentally sound, and emotionally supportive, there are positive effects on the child and the family. … Children who enter school ready to learn are expected to achieve more academically. Academic success has been linked to improved social, economic, and health outcomes.”
— FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
“Four out of five low-income mothers have experienced challenges finding quality child care. Perhaps the greatest struggle for the working single mothers in our survey is the daily need for care for their children. More than two-thirds said they simply could not find and keep reliable child care. … Child care difficulties aren’t just inconvenient — they can prevent women from landing jobs, advancing, and earning promotions.”
— FROM THE WOMEN’S FUND OF GREATER BIRMINGHAM
The Power of After-school Enrichment
“High-quality afterschool programs promote positive youth development and offer a safe space where youth can explore their potential. Effective afterschool programs provide learning settings that bring a wide range of benefits to youth, families, and communities. Afterschool programs can support social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development, reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health, and provide a safe and supportive environment for children and youth.”
Do you need …
- CHILD CARE – The nationally accredited YWCA Child Development Center provides affordable child care to families in Birmingham and surrounding areas. Before-school care and/or after-school programs may be available on an as-needed basisto working families and families who are furthering their education. To learn more, contact child development.
- PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH – Visit news and events for details about any upcoming special programs for after-school and summer learning. Check out YWCA Family Resource Center for other positive youth development opportunities. If you need to inquire about child care needed before and after school, contact YWCA Child Development.
- A PLACE TO LIVE – For housing, visit YWCA Community Housing. For emergency needs, contact YWCA Shelter Services.
- BASIC NEEDS MET – YWCA Supportive Services assists clients in identifying their needs and articulating their long-term goals. If you need help setting strategies to achieve your goals by first starting with taking care of your or your family’s basic needs, contact supportive services.
- COUNSELING – Professional counseling and consultation services are available to those who may be experiencing emotional difficulties. Counseling sessions are designed to be respectful of your values, personal resources and capacity for self-determination. If you have experienced trauma and need trauma-informed care, YWCA Supportive Services can help.
- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES – YWCA Central Alabama offers Domestic Violence Victim Support Group, a 24-Hour Crisis Line: (205) 322-4878 (HURT), and other domestic violence services.
- GED PREP OR JOB SKILLS TRAINING – YWCA Family Resource Center offers educational support, GED prep, tutoring, multi-generational programs, outreach, case management, career readiness and life advancing programs for the entire family. FRC houses YWCA Economic Empowerment Services such as workforce development and WE360, a program for women entrepreneurs and business owners.
- A RIDE TO THE DOCTOR – Kid One provides transportation to/from medical, dental or mental health appointments for children (newborn-19 years old) and expectant mothers. Call (205) 978-1000 to schedule a ride.
- VISION CARE FOR INFANTS – The InfantSee program provides one-time, no-cost eye and vision care for babies who are 6 to 12 months old. To find a participating optometrist in your area, call (888) 396-3937 (EYES).
- CHILD HEALTH RESOURCES – Does your child appear not to be meeting his/her developmental milestones? Does your child have a behavior problem? Contact Help Me Grow at (833)-939-0336. Help Me Grow connects families to health and developmental resources so children (birth to age 8) can start school healthy and ready for success.
- HELP INSTALLING A CAR SEAT – Do you have questions or concerns about how to properly install a child safety seat (booster or car seat)? If so, please contact Safe Kids Alabama at (800) 504-9768 for a car seat clinic appointment.
