LOCAL CHILDCARE CENTER RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE BEST IN SOUTHWEST GEORGIA

January 14, 2004

JANUARY 14, 2004 By MICHAEL J. ROSS 
AMERICUS -- Visions for Sumter's Childcare Resource and Referral Agency is working steadily to improve the quality of childcare in Southwest Georgia. Letha Smith's Childcare Center, 222 Roy Circle, is a shining example of this diligent work.

Smart Start Georgia has recognized Smith's establishment as one of the better childcare facilities in this area, and Visions helped Smith attain such an accreditation.

Smart Start Georgia , along with Quality Improvement mini-grants, has assisted child care providers by enhancing early learning environments, providing training for child care providers and promoting higher education.

In turn, early learning facilities affiliated with Visions Child Care Resource and Referral facilitate rich, high-quality learning experiences for children that will support them through life, according to a document submitted by Visions executive director Audrey Ewing.

Visions and the Sumter County United Way have partnered in the implementation of Smart Start in Sumter and Schley counties for the past two years.

Smith's accreditation is due to the fact she has received extensive training on child care procedures, has equipped her center with age-appropriate toys and furniture and because she helps her participants with basic learning skills.

"I love kids and seeing the smiles on their faces," said Smith Tuesday as she helped one of her participants with building blocks. "These kids are our future, and we must nurture them and give them the tools they need to be intellectually and physically healthy."

Smith teaches her participants topics such as the alphabet and identification of shapes and colors, as well as social skills. She has been in the child care field for six years and with Visions and Smart Start Georgia for two years.

"Visions for Sumter has been so supportive of me and my facility. They have been an instrumental part of the center's success," Smith said.

Through training and technical assistance, Visions works with 13 Schley and Sumter early care and education providers to build on strengths, identify program needs, set goals, provide specialized training and create links to resources as they strive for higher quality, according to the document submitted by Ewing. Ewing also said state Sen. George Hooks, D-Americus, has been instrumental with Visions for Sumter Childcare Resource and Referral Agency's work and the improvement of childcare in Schley and Sumter counties. 

â?? This article posted with permission from The Americus-Times Recorder.