The Child Care Network is an Organized Placement and Support System for the Care of Children 2 Months to 12 Years.
The Cole-Harrington Child Care Network arranges child care in local child care centers for at-risk children ages two months to twelve years referred by the area Department of Child & Family Services (DCF). Funding is provided by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). EEC licensed child care centers that currently have a contract with their local voucher management agencies are eligible to participate in our network.
STAFF INFORMATION
Our bachelor and masters level degreed early childhood specialists place children in centers, monitor their developmental progress and provide support to the children’s teachers to ensure their success in the program. Cole-Harrington staff visit the child care center once or twice a month depending on the number of children enrolled. In the event that it is determined that a child would benefit from special education, health or mental health services, our staff will work with the center staff and family to make the appropriate referral.
Our licensed clinical social workers provide case management and home-based support services to referred families. All referred families are offered monthly home visits with content and focus determined in consultation with the family.
Our clinicians are available to consult with center staff around the social-emotional and behavioral needs of the children.
STAFF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
The child care network sponsors evening and Saturday workshops throughout the year for teachers in centers participating in the network. These workshops are provided at no cost. Topics include but are not limited to child growth and development, child management, curriculum development, parent/teacher relationships, special education for young children, child abuse and neglect, and other topics related to supporting the needs of at-risk families and children. Trainings are held in Canton and Plymouth at our administrative sites.
View the latest training schedule
An informational newsletter is distributed to all network providers and is published three times a year.
ENROLLMENT
Child care services are open to children who live in towns located in Bristol, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties. Children must be referred from local DCF offices. Children may remain in their child care program after their DCF case closes if the family meets the eligibility and activity requirements of EEC for income eligible subsidized child care. Funding is provided through the voucher system. The child care center assumes full responsibility for the child at this time.
SCHEDULE
Families arrange their children’s daily schedule with the child care center and network staff. The centers in the network are open year round, closing for legal holidays. Centers may close for vacation days. A listing of closings will be provided to families at the time of enrollment. Arrangements for substitute care can usually be provided by the child care network staff with adequate notice.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is provided for children enrolled through the Cole-Harrington Child Care Network based on need and available space on existing routes.
COST/REIMBURSEMENT
There is no fee for families. The centers complete a letter of agreement to join the Cole-Harrington Child Care Network and then are reimbursed bi-weekly at their current voucher rates by the Cole-Harrington Child Care Network. The network staff works with the voucher management agency to obtain the family’s voucher.