The First Door to Open All Others: Early Education Services in Windham County

Most of us can recall a moment in time when someone opened a door for us into aspace of new possibilities, greater confidence, or a future we hadn't yet imagined. Itmight have been a door we didn't know existed, or one we couldn't open alone, but wecredit that first door for unlocking new avenues of potential.In Windham County, Vermont, Early Education Services (EES) is an arm of theWindham Southeast School District that serves as that first door for hundreds of youngchildren and families. As the community's Head Start, Early Head Start and ParentChild Center agency, EES is built on a powerful mission: to be "the first door to open allothers." Through comprehensive, family-centered programming, EES supports thedevelopment of the community's youngest and most vulnerable children whileempowering their families with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need tothrive.In a sunlit conference room at EES on 130 Birge St., housed in one of Brattleboro'shistoric Estey Organ buildings, a meeting of educators and support staff is about tobegin. Amidst the chatter of colleagues catching up on the latest goings-on at differentsites, a sudden rhythmic clapping is heard. Clap!, clap!, clap-clap-clap! Staff come toattention and some return the signal with a responsive clap, respectfully ceding the floorjust as children are instructed to do when their teacher requests their attention. It's asimple gesture, but one that reflects mutual respect and love for their shared purpose.Assembled in this room is a group of professionals who share the experience of beingthe first point of contact for families and their children as young as six weeks old to aquality early childhood education program. They have bonded with the children, theirfamilies, and with each other. In these partnerships, children and their families receivethe foundation they need to be successful as they move forward in their lives.EES has eight classrooms across three different sites in Windham County and eightadditional classrooms at collaborator sites across Brattleboro. Most teachers and leadteachers have degrees and/or college credits in early childhood education, and someare currently working towards college degrees with courses paid for by EES.Classrooms are staffed with teacher/child ratios that go well above state minimums toensure that children get adequate attention and support. Every child enrolled issupported by a team of professionals including family support specialists, health staff,behavior and mental health support, and more. Developmental screenings areconducted for every child and disability services are provided for those who need it.Each family that enters the program is paired with a Family Support Specialist (FSS),who connects them with resources and supports to achieve sufficiency goals. Thesespecialists are both listeners and leaders, who partner with families to set goals, solveproblems, and discover what's possible. Monthly meetings between specialists andfamilies provide opportunities for social connection, learning, and fun. Parentrepresentatives are elected to serve on Policy Council alongside the Director and othercommunity representatives, determining decisions for EES in shared governance withthe Windham Southeast School Board.Home Visitors provide services to families from pregnancy to age three. Home Visitors visitweekly with families to work on child development, parenting strategies, and goalsetting. The Home Visiting program is rooted in the belief that parents are a child's firstand most important teacher.Within 45 days of enrollment, EES's Health team is at work providing vision, hearing,and oral health screenings, ensuring early detection and connecting families withongoing care. The Health Team works with families to secure a medical home and trackchildren's well-child visits and immunizations routinely, so that children stay up-to-date.EES partners with Dr. Rediske to provide monthly dental clinics for the youngestchildren in Windham County. This connects adults with options for dental care, educatesfamilies on their children's oral health and best practices at home, and buildsrelationships to encourage a continuance of dental care. EES' Nutritionist works withcooks to plan and prepare individualized nutritious breakfasts, lunches and snacks thatare served in our classrooms each day.As Windham County's designated Parent Child Center (PCC), EES collaborates with abroad network of community partners, including other early childhood programs, mentalhealth providers, housing organizations, and more. EES participates in regional andstatewide councils, ensuring that family voices are included in conversations that shapeservices and policy. EES is also present in community events and fairs, ensuringfamilies from all parts of Windham County are aware of and connected to supportsavailable to them.PCC provides additional programs and resources free of charge to all families withyoung children up to age 6 in Windham County. These include Family ResourceCenters with meeting spaces for families and service providers, a children's play space,a swap spot for clothing and other items, resource information, support navigating publicbenefits, parenting books to borrow, computer and printer with internet access, freediapers and basic necessities. The new Resource Mobile Unit will soon launch as a newmethod of delivering resources, making visits throughout our region for broaderoutreach, especially in more remote communities.Locals have come to recognize the PCC "Welcome Baby" program by the signature knitstrawberry hats distributed to all families with infants or young children who participate.This free program connects families not only with fashionable, warm head gear, but alsowith valuable information on child development, health, safety and area resources.Each spring, local high school volunteers bake up a storm of bear-shaped cookies thatEES brings to area elementary schools for "Teddy Bear Teas." These open houseevents encourage families to connect to their local school community.New parents can be at high risk for social isolation. EES offers weekly playgroups thatprovide a social connection for parents and an opportunity for young children to developsocial skills. Playgroups are especially effective in engaging fathers, who are often morereluctant to ask for support, yet play critical roles in their child's development. AFatherhood Specialist is available to provide services for fathers to learn new parentingstrategies and skills and connect with other dads. These include a "Dedicated Dads"weekly support group, one-on-one guidance, playgroups and workshops.Car seat Installation assistance is available to any caregiver and free car seats areavailable to eligible families. EES' certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians providefamilies with car seat safety education.Each member of the Early Education Services family offers a caring hand that holdsopen "the first door to open all others". Whether it's a baby bonding with their parentthrough a home visit, a toddler sharing a story at circle time, or a father findingcommunity at a weekly playgroup, these are moments that change lives. EarlyEducation Services is proud to be here for their community, and will continue servingfamilies for years to come.To learn more about Early Education Services visit www.earlyeducationservices.org.