Child and Family Development

“This isn’t an easy job, but at the end off the day, you’ll really feel like you’ve done something rewarding. One hug, or ‘thank you,’ and your heart’s going to melt. It’s inevitable.”

–Child and Family Development volunteer

Poverty can diminish the educational opportunities and experiences available to children. A young child is eager for experience and is in a constant state of learning. Christian Appalachian Project believes that by providing early childhood education, along with engaging the parents in their own educational growth, the child will gain appropriate developmental skills and a positive view of education.

CAP’s Child and Family Development centers offer child and teen development programs for children ages 1-17. Child development programs include teaching reasoning, communication, social, physical and emotional development as well as creative expression. Participation of the entire family is encouraged through home visits, parenting classes and involvement in the center.

CAP operates three Child and Family Development centers in eastern Kentucky, each one providing unique services specific to the needs of the community. Depending on the center at which a volunteer is placed, he or she can expect to participate in one or more of the following:

Infant/Toddler Activities
Child and Family Development center staff and volunteers work with parents of young children, instructing them on the importance of touch, stimulation, play, good nutrition and language development. In sessions at the centers and in the family’s homes, parents are taught to use everyday activities as opportunities for interaction and learning. During these sessions, the staff take note of any potential developmental delays in a young child. If delays are noted, an appropriate referral is made to CAP’s Parents Are Teachers program, which works exclusively with developmentally delayed children, children with established disabilities or children who are considered ‘at risk’ for delays.

Preschool
All of our Child and Family Development centers are licensed by the state of Kentucky and follow a nationally recognized curriculum in their programs. Through play and small group sessions, children engage in activities that stimulate their cognitive, social, physical and language development skills. Volunteers help lead these activities and help to maintain a clean facility. Short-term volunteer needed immediately.

Family Literacy
With support from the staff, parents begin working on basic literacy, studying for their GED or preparing for vocational school or college. Special presentations and scheduled field trips also help broaden the parents’ perspectives and recognize their educational and employment potential.

Tutoring
CAP volunteers assist children and teens with homework in all subject areas. Tutoring is a component of S.P.A.R.K. (see below).

After-school/Summer Programming
S.P.A.R.K. (Scholastic Preparation for Arts and Recreation for Kids) serves children ages 9-17. Volunteers design presentations and activities to engage students in academics, the arts and recreational activities. In the summer, volunteers lead activities such as camping trips and other educational or arts-related field trips.