Early Childhood Success Hub

Co-Chair: Colleen Nelson, VP Children & Family Health Institute, VNA of Central Jersey
Co-Chair: Denise Kaplan, RN Monmouth County Health Department

All Children will be Safe, Healthy, and Ready to Learn

Food Insecurity

(includes basic necessities like diapers, wipes, toiletries, etc.) For children, families, individuals – the need has increased greatly during COVID-19 Pandemic; Many groups working with Fulfill, local agencies, restaurants, faith-based organizations, and schools coming together to fill the gaps in communities happening right now- see individual town websites for details or Fulfill (local Food Bank) website; WIC and SNAP also available.

Safe, Affordable Quality Childcare for all Families

Child Care Resources 732-918-9901

Communication

 For resources or support, please call or email, Dorys Reitsma, Family Advocate (bilingual in Spanish) at [email protected]; and/or Kelly Gray at Monmouth County Council for Young Children at [email protected] for referrals;

Isolation of families during COVID-19

Parenting support is being provided remotely through video/virtual calls as well as using creative ways to share child development support and education, crafts, activities, yoga, exercises, games for families to do together. There are three Family Success Centers in Monmouth County: Bayshore Family Success Center, Coastal Community Success Center, and Oceans Family Success Center. There are also three home-visitation programs in the county- Healthy Families, Parents as Teachers, and Nurse-Family Partnership – providing support for new and parenting mothers and fathers- call 1-855-619-4445

Participating Local Agencies and their primary focus:

Child Care Resources: Quality daycare facilities and home-based child care; staff available –working remotely

Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey- health and wellness checks, home visiting, Family Advocate, Nurses, home visiting through telephonic video conferencing, Early Intervention services for children with developmental delays- beginning virtual visits 4/1/2020

Ladacin Network: Virtual Learning for children with developmental delays, special needs; Adult residential programs open 24/7;

Family Success Centers: Staff working remotely, no in-person walk-ins or classes at this time; finding ways to support families with resources like diapers, crafts, etc. through outside of building pick-ups.

YMCA: Aftercare services on hold due to school closures; mental health counseling services through remote telehealth at this time-referrals welcome; Working with Fulfill to meet Food Access needs in communities

Community Affairs Resource Center: One staff in each of 3 offices- 8:30 am to 2 pm daily; closed to clients temporarily however staff working through video classes and support at this time

WIC: all certifications new and recerts all being completed through the phone. Checks being mailed to participants. Staff and Managers are available and answering calls including Lactation consultants for breastfeeding support (if needed, they will make a home visit)- offices closed to public temporarily.

Pediatrician offices: Well and sick visits- offices are prioritizing newborn care and vaccination visits for infants through 12 months. Scheduling well and sick appointments at different times during the day, and practicing social distancing in office as best as possible. Some offices are doing limited hours or postponing well visits.

Neighborhood Connections to Health Coalition Freehold area- partner with Fulfill for mobile food pantry 2x a month in Freehold Borough-food is pre-packaged and distribution is outside with social distancing being practiced.

Monmouth County Health Department: Building close to the public temporarily. All staff are working; there is a phone number for COVID-19 staffed by volunteer