The DEC promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. The DEC Board focuses their time and effort on ensuring accountability of the organization to fulfill its organizational purposes.

Ambassadors will use the brain science embedded in Vroom to help families and providers build stronger communities

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA) announced the second cohort of Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Vroom ambassadors. These selected agencies will strategically embed Vroom brain-building tips and materials in their local family and community outreach services. As part of an expanded partnership with the Bezos Family Foundation, CCAoA will deepen programmatic integration of advancements in brain science with early education providers and families through three cohorts of ambassadors. The third cohort will be selected and announced next year.

WASHINGTON, DC — Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA) is proud to host Vroom Week from November 26-30, 2018 to encourage families and caregivers to use simple prompts during daily moments to help build children’s brains.

Washington, DC – Today, Child Care Aware® of America released its 2018 Checking In: A Snapshot of the Child Care Landscape, a report that summarizes the supply and demand for child care in each state, the average cost of licensed and accredited child care, and the services provided by Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. The report also sheds light on state Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) and other statewide initiatives, resulting in findings that show a positive return on investment for quality child care and the overall health and wellness of children.

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA) and the Bezos Family Foundation announce their continued partnership and renewed focus on supporting early care and education professionals as brain builders through Vroom.

Vroom is a global initiative that empowers parents and caregivers, including early care and education professionals, to boost children’s early learning and development through science-based tips and activities.  Vroom encourages families and caregivers to use routine interactions, like bath time and grocery shopping, to engage with children, strengthening their brain architecture and helping ensure children have a strong foundation for lifelong learning.  Vroom reaches families by working with trusted nonprofits, brand and media companies, and technology—including a mobile app, Vroom by Text, and an Alexa Skill.  All materials are free of cost, simple enough to fit into parents’ daily routines, and available right at their fingertips.
This expanded partnership will provide opportunities for deeper integration of advancements in brain science within Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies and with child care providers, and increase the reach of Vroom to families.  CCAoA will manage two successive application processes and select two cohorts of ten CCR&R Vroom ambassadors who will strategically embed Vroom into their local family and community outreach services.

At Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA), we are thrilled that the FY2018 appropriations bill has passed in the Senate, which includes an increase of $2.37 billion in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). This funding is critical in supporting systems professionals, providers, children and families across the nation.