Burlington Community Action Partnership
County Council for Young Children
New Jersey has established in all 21 counties - County Councils for Young Children (CCYC) to strengthen collaboration between parents, families, and local community stakeholders with health, early care and education, family support, and other service providers. This shared leadership philosophy includes parents as active partners with service providers and community leaders helping to identify the needs, aspirations and successes of our collective efforts to positively impact the health, education and well-being of children from pregnancy/birth to age 8. Funding was made available to establish a statewide network of local County Councils for Young Children (CCYC) by the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge grant.
Mission
To empower individuals to advocate for themselves and their families about services within their community.
The council gives Families and Community Partners a chance to voice their concerns and to create an environment that is inclusive, while engaging community leaders at the local level and gaining the support through training that can help strengthen our families and our communities.
Goals
- To have a council comprised of 51% of parents as active members and 49% of active community members.
- Create an environment where parents can become independent seekers of their own solutions.
- To reach out to parents through: Surveys, mail, focus groups, meetings, events and social media.
- Offer parents: personal growth, support, trainings and workshops
Vision
Educate parents with information to help reach their goals.
Strengthening families through community connections.
Effective partnership between government and community for long term sustainability. Sustainable positive internal changes to breaking down barriers -Linking community to programs.
Be a voice
in your community
HERE’S A LITTLE ABOUT OUR COMMITTEES:
Health Committee
This group addresses health-related issues impacting:
- Pregnancy, birth, infant, and child health including dental care
- Special childcare needs for children
- Health access for parents/caregivers, including insurance, routine medical and dental care, and access to services like smoking cessation, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.
Examples of health committee initiatives:
Prenatal support
PPD support
Support for parents with special needs children
Self-care
Social Services Committee
This group identifies and improves community resources and services, addressing gaps like transportation and cultural barriers. Initiatives include planning community baby showers, managing resource lists, and organizing kids' activities and donations.
Education Committee
- This group discusses issues and concerns regarding:
- Quality education programs like Child Care Centers, Preschool, and Elementary School
- Transitions for children and families within education settings
- Children with special educational needs
- Educational needs of parents and caregivers, including GED programs and vocational training
Calling all Families and Community Partners to lend a hand in :
Team building activities
Parent leadership training
Outreach events and more
Community Cafe
Burlington CCYC collaborates with other agencies, organizations, and stakeholders to enhance the connections for parents and provide even more information and resources through community events, speaking engagements, workshops and trainings.
We invite community partners and parents to engage in our informal Coffee Chats. This is organized by our Program Coordinator, which is an excellent opportunity for us to connect, exchange ideas, and foster open dialogue.
Parent Cafe
The parent Cafe is a space created for parents to fellowship and have conversations surrounding the needs and wellbeing of their children and the community as a whole. Parents also discuss community activities and help in organizing events throughout the community.
We invite and encourage parents throughout the community to engage in our parent cafes. These will be held at various locations throughout the community, refreshments will be provided, and gift cards will be given to new members of the committees. Cafe meetings may also be held virtually for those unable to attend in person. This is organized by our Program Coordinator, which is an excellent opportunity for us to connect, exchange ideas, and foster open dialogue.
Program Focus
Implement a shared leadership model between community partners and parents (collaborating as a team for the benefits of the children).
Target and discuss needs concerning the health, education and well-being of children within the
community.
Provide training and workshops to parents and community partners
JOIN THE FUN AND BE A VOICE FOR OUR CHILDREN
CCYC invites various guest speakers and stakeholders to speak with parents about best practices and resources. CCYC also attends and plan Community Cafes, Health and Education Fairs, and set ups tables at events.
Burlington County Council for Young Children
LET’S CONNECT
CCYC Coordinator Isha Pearson
ipearson@bccap.org
bccap.org
609-386-5800 ext. 5131
Uniting families and community partners to enhance the well-being of our children.
