The Family Guidance Center of Alabama has long been committed to nurturing healthy family dynamics and providing essential support to caregivers. One of its flagship initiatives, the Kids and Kin Program, stands as a beacon of assistance and education for relative childcare providers. Scheduled across various dates and locations, the program offers invaluable insights and resources to those who selflessly dedicate themselves to caring for their relatives’ children.
The Kids and Kin Program is a statewide endeavor tailored specifically for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and older siblings who have assumed the crucial role of providing childcare within their families. Supported by funding from the Alabama Department of Human Resources, this program is a lifeline for those who tirelessly contribute to the well-being and development of their young relatives.
Spanning an array of pertinent topics, the program hosts two training sessions every month, delving into diverse subjects aimed at enhancing the caregivers’ knowledge and skills. These workshops cover pivotal themes such as child development, positive discipline, language development, health, safety, first aid, and CPR, among many others. Held in a nurturing and supportive environment, these sessions are designed to empower caregivers with invaluable insights.
Additionally, the Kids and Kin Program organizes engaging events for both providers and children, fostering a sense of community and offering a space for social interaction and learning.
Participants in the Kids and Kin Program enjoy a multitude of benefits, including a quarterly newsletter that serves as a comprehensive resource, connecting caregivers to essential information and community services. Moreover, the program offers avenues for networking and support among fellow relative providers, creating a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge.
The program extends its support further by linking caregivers with vital community resources and organizing an annual Provider Recognition Day to honor their dedication and commitment.
Notably, the program also provides tangible resources to aid the caregivers in their responsibilities. Participants have the opportunity to receive up to $150 worth of free toys and educational materials. Additionally, they can choose between a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, or a first aid kit, along with access to free children’s books and exciting door prizes.
The upcoming sessions, scheduled at the Brent-Centreville Library, promise informative and engaging topics:
**January 10, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: “Nurturing Positive Brain Development in Babies”
**January 24, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: “Understanding the Why Behind Whining”
**February 14, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: “You Are What You Eat”
**February 28, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: “Talking to Kids About Death and Grief”
**March 1, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: “Coffee Can Curriculum”
**March 27, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: “Understanding the Characteristics of Suicide in Children”
For further information and registration, interested individuals can reach out to Carmen Coleman, the Child Care Partner for Bibb, Hale, Perry, and Tuscaloosa Counties, at 334-465-0049 or via email at ccoleman@familyguidancecenter.org.
The Kids and Kin Program offered by the Family Guidance Center of Alabama is a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting family units across the state. By empowering and assisting relative child care providers, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope, knowledge, and resources, ultimately enriching the lives of both caregivers and the children they lovingly nurture. For those stepping up to provide care within their families, the Kids and Kin Program serves as an invaluable ally on their journey.
