Partnership helps moms with child care

Miami Valley Child Development Center and YWCA Dayton are working together to help women living in shelter access child care.Miami Valley Child Development Center is southwest Ohio's Head Start agency and is dedicated to supporting families experiencing poverty and helping their children get ready for kindergarten. They provide free early learning and child care to children from 6 weeks to age 5, with children experiencing homelessness among those who qualify.YWCA Children’s Program Asiaonna Eley and Case Manager Cyndi Swafford earlier this year met with MVCDC family coordinators and building representatives explaining the challenges that families in shelter have when it comes to receiving resources for childcare and preschool.After meeting with the team at MVCDC, the two organizations were able to form a connection for families to now receive these services."We are excited about this partnership because access to quality childcare for our families in shelter means one less barrier they have to hurdle," Swafford said.Families in shelter at YWCA Dayton with children 6 weeks to age 5 are able to receive childcare and pre-school services free of cost. MVCDC will also provide transportation for children who are enrolled in the pre-school program. Also families do not have to worry about meals or diapers while their children are receiving early Head Start services.YWCA Dayton operates the only domestic violence shelter in Montgomery County and on average serves 100 women and children a day.