On Tuesday, April 30, the Network sponsored a training for over 60 famly shelter and other case managers at Holyoke Community College to learn about recent policy changes impacting (and improving) families’ access to MA child care vouchers. Special thanks to Sara Garvin of New England Farm Workers Council and Dawn DiStefano of Square One for their expertise. You can see the Powerpoint presentation that details the state child care system; the “Quick sheet” for initial intake questions and contact names and numbers; and the actual Wait List Initial Intake Form.
We also heard from Head Start leaders Nicole Blais and June Lynds about how to best access Head Start. Their contact information is here:
Holyoke/Chicopee Head Start Contacts
Maggie Sexton, Enrollment Coordinator,
413-536-363, [email protected];
Audra Dias, Enrollment Supervisor
413-417-7779, [email protected]
Website: www.hcsheadstart.org
Head Start Locator/Resources website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/
Head Start Community Action Pioneer Valley
For enrolling at CAPV Head Start & Early Learning Programs in Western Hampden (including West Springfield, Agawam and Westfield), Hampshire and Franklin Counties: 413-387-1250 or www.communityaction.us (Families can apply online or programs can download our referral form under the Head Start heading.
And finally, we heard from Rebecca Burgos and Christine Zaskey-Cullen of Coordinated Family Care and Engagement (CFCE) programs, detailing the support available in each community through this programs. You can find the CFCE contact person in your community by going here.
