Early Learning Indiana is partnering with Volunteers of America (VOA) to open a Day Early Learning microsite. Day Early Learning at Theodora House will support mothers — in recovery from opioid and other addictions — with access to high-quality early care and learning for their young children while in the VOA’s Fresh Start Recovery Center residential treatment program.
The Fresh Start treatment program uniquely allows children of mothers with substance use disorders to reside with their mother during her treatment. According to data from The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), parental drug abuse is the second most common reason for the removal of children from custody, second only to neglect. Allowing mothers and young children to stay together during a mother’s treatment reduces the likelihood that these children end up in the foster care system or are otherwise separated from their families when the bond between mother and child is most vital.
With access to Day Early Learning’s teaching curriculum and vast network of support services, participating mothers and children will benefit from the increased quality care, family engagement wrap-around supports and health and disabilities services.
This is the first Day Early Learning microsite in which the children and educators will be in one classroom, with the capability to serve up to eight children from six weeks to 3 years old. Currently under construction, the new space is set to open later this spring. We look forward to sharing more about this exciting new partnership after the center’s grand opening.
This partnership was generously made possible with grant support from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). In March of 2021, the ACF awarded new Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership and Early Head Start Expansion funds to 62 organizations in 32 states and Puerto Rico. As an Early Head Start (EHS) partner, Early Learning Indiana was one of the 62 organizations funded, allowing us to expand our EHS services within select Day Early Learning centers.
To learn more about Volunteers of America’s Fresh Start Recovery Center, visit voaohin.org.
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