Final 2014 Annual Report 2014 2015

Vital Connections
of the
Midlands, Inc.
Early Head Start Annual Report
2014-2015
Tel 803-661-8685
4801 Colonial Dr.

Columbia SC 29203
vitalconnectionsofthemidlands.org
This report is prepared to comply with the Head Start Reauthorization Act of 2007, Administrative
Requirements and Standards Sec. 644 [42 U.S.C. 9839 (a)(2)].
VCM Annual Report 2014 2015
Page 1
Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015
Pg. 1
To Our Stakeholders
To Our Community
Who we are___________________________________________________________ 5
Program Governance
Success Story
Health & Wellness______________________________________________________ 6

Dental & Oral health____________________________________________________ 7
Nutrition_________________________________________________________________ 8
Mental Health______________________________________________________________9
Disability Services___________________________________________________________10
Financial &Audit_______________________________________________________ 11
Enrollment __________________________________________________________ 12
Parent Satisfaction_________________________________________________________13
Tender Years Success Story
15
Childrens Garden Success Story
16
Parent Engagement______________________________________________________17
School Readiness Child Outcomes____________________________________________19
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To Our Stakeholders
We are very proud of our accomplishments and the support we provide to

families that promote healthy pregnancies, enhance the development and growth
of very young children, and support positive parenting. We have included several
success stories to provide you with real stories shared by our parents of the
positive impact our Early Head Start experience and services have had in their
lives.
We welcome community involvement and engagement of parents to provide
input to continuously evaluate ways to enhance the delivery of services to the
families we serve. Vital Connections of the Midlands Early Head Start is sincerely
grateful to many organizations have supported our role and function and have
provided funding or other support enriching our Agency and ability to serve
families and children. As I reflect on the Early Head Start (EHS) Program, we look
back on both the program challenges and the EHS successes. I am both
encouraged and pleased by the accomplishments we have made this year
through hard work, dedication, commitment and our partnerships with our of
Early Head Start families, Partners, staff, and Governing Body members. It is
through our joint perseverance that we have implemented program
enhancements that focus on ensuring improvements to the quality of, and access
to, excellent early childhood education.
Looking Ahead
Moving into the future, I look forward to growing collaborations and partnerships
with our community stakeholders. Together, we will create new opportunities to
improve services to children and families. As we approach a new program year,
we will renew our commitment to excellence and will deliver top-notch, quality
services.
Robin K McCants
Early Head Start/Executive Director
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To Our Community
For V i t a l C o n n e c t i o n s o f t h e m i d l a n d s , I n c . ( V C M )
the 2014-2015 Early Head Start program year brought an additional 8 slots
for children and families. Of these, there were two classrooms placed in
Childrens Garden. We are ecstatic to add these highly respected staff
members to our Early Head Start family. We are working effortlessly with
each of them to ensure that all the Head Start Performance Standards,
school readiness goals and objectives were implemented successfully.
Secondly, we are committed to moving forward with our goals on
established program outcomes to better assess the impact of our program
in the lives of children and families in our community. There is a
nationwide emphasis on building strong family partnerships, quality
educational instruction and further enhancing compliance/monitoring
systems.
I am convinced the changes we have experienced this year, provided the
opportunity to better serve our Early Head Start community. I fervently will
continue to support our program as we strive towards excellence!
Jeremy Hodges, Vital Connections Board of Directors Chair
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WHO WE ARE
VCM Early Head Start provides a comprehensive child and family development program for low-income
children birth to age three and their families, as well as pregnant women. In addition to early childhood
education, children and families receive health and nutrition services, family development support,
access to mental health services, as well as supports for children with disabilities.
The goal of the program is to improve child and family outcomes, including school readiness, by
providing a continuum of comprehensive services that support childrens development and family
functioning. Early Head Start serves low-income pregnant women, infants and toddlers from birth to
age three and their families who live within our zip codes. Early Head Start is a federally funded
program, and VCM has been an Early Head Start grantee since 2010 with funded enrollment for 80.
VCM Early Head Start centers are nationally accredited through the National Association of the
Education of Young Children.
Program Governance
Vital Connections of the Midlands, grantee of the Early Head Start (EHS)
Program, operates a formal structure of shared governance that
enables parents to participate in decision-making and planning. V it a l
C o n n e c t i o n s o f t h e M i d l a n d s Board of Directors, as the
governing body receives direct input from the Early Head Start Policy
Council composed of parents and community representatives. This
structure ensures that the governing body, Policy Council, and Parent
Committee Representatives from each center and key grantee staff
jointly make programmatic decisions that meet the needs of Early
Head Start parents and the communities that we serve.
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Governing Board
2014 - 2015 Program Governance

Policy Council
Leadership Team
Jeremy Hodges- Chairman

Attorney
Katie Readon-Early Childhood
Expert, Richland One School
Katy Bair- Treasurer
Fiscal Expert
Sam Tenenbaum- Vice Chairman
Deborah Boone- McKinney
Vento Richland One School
Apryl Whitman- School
Readiness Richland One School
District
Charlotte Berry -Community
Rep.
Jamie Bannister-Parent
Representative
Jamie Bannister- Chairperson

Tender Years
Tiasha Ray- Secretary
Tender Years
Jatrelle Simmons-Treasurer
Arthurtown
LaSasha Hutto-Vice ChairpersonTender Years
David Ahrens - Community Rep.
Alexandria Richardson
Childrens Garden
Robin McCants Executive/ Early

Head Start Director
Mary Beth Todt Education/
Disabilities Manager
Martina Mitchell Health Services
Manager
Mildred Mayrant- Chief Fiscal
Officer
Maggie Chernek-BHQA Mental
Health Manager
Karen Noble Human
Resources/Business Manager
Ariel Tucker -alternate
Althea Benson-Center Director
Vashekia Simpson-alternate
George Cole-Center Director

Julia LaPorte-Center Director
Rochelle Outlaw & Vanessa
Layton FAMI
Tina and Eric's Success Story at Arthurtown Early Head Start
In her own words..The Tina Ravnells Story

On October 04, 1990, a beautiful little girl was born in Richland County to Charlie Kennedy,
Jr. and Janice Ravnell. That little girl would be educated in Richland County schools and
become a proud graduate of Dreher High School in 2009. That little girl is now a parent (Eric
Sephes, Jr.) and a contributing member of her community. That little girl is Tina Marie
Ravnell. By her own admission, Miss Ravnell lived a hard knock life as a child. She grew up in a
local housing project, routinely hearing shootings, police and rescue sirens and witnessed
physical altercations. She fell in with the wrong crowd and participated in numerous activities
that she is not proud of. She was no stranger to trouble and conflict but believes that her
childhood and teenager experience have served to strengthened and prepare her for her role as
a parent. Her difficult childhood made her determined to be the best parent she could be for
her son and to not have children that she could not nurture or care for emotionally and
financially. Miss Ravnell briefly attended Midlands Technical College in 2011and studied Nursing
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Assistance but did not complete her studies due to family difficulties (the passing of her father)
and the birth of her s o n . Shortly after the birth of her son, Miss Ravnell made a significant
discovery that has impacted her life (and the life of her son) ever since. Her very good friend
(Brittany Weston) introduced her to Vital Connections of the Midlands (VCM). VCM's goal of
providing family centered services to at risk families intrigued Miss Ravnell. After contacting VCM
and being interviewed, Tina decided that enrolling Eric wouldbe in his best interest. Eric began
VCM in 08/2012 at the tender age of ten months. Shortly after beginning the program, Erics
teacher noticed that Eric was not reaching specific milestones and a referral was made to
BabyNet (another community agency) so Eric could be assessed for any developmental
concerns. This referral ultimately led to Eric being diagnosed with an Autism spectrum disorder
and appropriate intervention services being implement ed .
Miss Ravnell feels that Vital Connections of the Midlands is a part of her family. She receives
support for her son (and herself) and views many staff members as role models worth
emulating. She loves how organization provides support to families and does so in a nonjudgmental manner so much that when an employment opportunity presented itself, she
applied and became an employee of Vital Connections of the Midlands. As with most of her
life, Miss Ravnell path to employment was not a smooth one. She was employed with Schnieder
Electric but was unable to maintain that employment due to multiple appointments for her son.
As providence would have it, a part-time position as food service specialist and classroom
floater was available at VCM. This opportunity was exactly what Miss Ravnell and her son
needed: gainful employment with an employer that understood and supported her efforts to
meet her son's immense needs. This support from VCM has enabled Miss Ravnell to return to
school. She is currently enrolled in Virginia College in their Medical Assistant program. In
December of 2014, Miss Ravnell made the Dean's List with a GPA of 3.4. She is on track to
graduate in December of 2015. After graduation, she hopes to secure employment in the
Midlands with plans to further her education in the medical f i e l d.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Early Head Start emphasizes the importance of early identification of health problems. Every child is
involved in a comprehensive health program which includes immunizations, medical, dental, mental
health, and nutritional services.
VCM Early Head Start staff assisted families in finding a medical home, locating sources of funding for
health services, and tracking health services. In addition, staff partnered with local Medicaid and
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Childrens Health Insurance Program to determine a childs eligibility for medical assistance. VCM
Early Head Start program also offered health promotion activities throughout the year, including
information about well-child care and training and information on child health and development. The
health of a l l o f o u r children is one of our primary concerns. We provide a comprehensive
health service program which includes preventive screenings and exams such as, immunizations,
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) physical examinations, vision and
hearing screenings, as well as developmental and mental health screenings. We work closely with
families to ensure they identify a medical support service within the community to give them access
to accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family centered medical care for years to come.
DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH SERVICES

Early Head Start takes a very active role in dental preventive services and promoting oral health
care by working with our children and families to emphasize the importance of establishing good oral
health habits at an early age and maintaining them throughout life. All children receive a yearly
comprehensive dental screening and exam. Our children and their families are educated on effective
dental hygiene practices, to include age appropriate cleaning practices. Oral health education is
completed by staff and community partners through workshops throughout the year.
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Dental & Oral Health Services

140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Children
Diagnosed as
Needing
Medical
Children
Received or
are Receiving
Children Who
Received
Preventive
Care
Children who
have
continuous
access to
dental
Children With
Health
Insurance
Children
Enrolled in
Medicaid or
CHIP
13
13
96
105
105
101
Series 1
Series 1
Linear (Series 1)
NUTRITION
Meals are served to children in the Early Head Start in accordance with the USDA Child Care Food
Program guidelines. Children participating are automatically eligible for free meals provided by the
USDA National School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, and the Child and Adult
Care Food Program as a result of provisions in the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of
2007 (Public Law 110-134). VCM Early Head Start is in a partnership with Midlands Community
Development Corporation to provide children and low-income families access to food, a healthful
diet, and nutrition education. Nutrition Services are supported by staffs whom are registered
dieticians and/or nutritionists. The goal of the nutritional services is to assist families in meeting each
childs nutritional needs, establishing good eating habits that nurture healthy development and
promote life-long well-being.
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Body Mass Index (BMI)

EHS Children
(According to 2000 CDC for Age Growth Chart)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Healthy weight @
Enrollment
Overweight @
Enrollment
Obese @ Enrollment
Diabetes
Series 1
76
Series 2
95%
0.01%
0.03%
Series 1
Series 2
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Mental Health Services are supported by staff and/or consultants who are licensed or certified mental
health professionals with experience and expertise in serving young children and their families. The
focus of mental health services in the Early Head Start program is to ensure the age-appropriate social
and emotional development of children ages birth to five in collaboration with their families.
Identification, prevention, and treatment services are available to ensure that all children have the
skills they will need to be successful in kindergarten. Resources and services are also available which
promote the mental health and wellness of each childs family and the staff.
HIGHLIGHTS During the 2014-15 program year, all classrooms implemented Conscious Discipline
Curriculum. This comprehensive emotional intelligence and classroom management system integrates
all domains of learning (social, emotional, physical, cultural and cognitive) into one seamless curriculum.
VCM Early Head Start joined more than 1,000 communities across the country in celebrating the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Children's Mental
Health Awareness Day on O c t o b e r 1 4 , 2014 to raise awareness about the importance of positive
mental health from birth. As part of the celebration, EHS BHQA provided training in Conscious
Discipline
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DISABILITIY SERVICES
Vital Connections Early Head Start is about supporting children and families to reach their maximum
potential: socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Our goal and focus is to ensure that each
child who is suspected of displaying some concerns or was already identified with special needs is
valued, supported and fully included in all aspects of the program. The Behavior Health Quality
Assurance and Disability staff works hand in hand with the social service and education staff in
assisting families in accessing the appropriate services to empower every child in achieving his/her
school readiness goals. The childrens growth is being assessed through observation and the use of an
online assessment tool called the TS GOLD, which the parent is apprized of and provide feedback on
their childs learning. We seek to include 10% of our funded slots of children diagnosed with
disabilities. The Early Head Start Program has met the 10% mandate of children with disabilities
(12.7%).
Program
Early Head
Start
Childrens
Garden 4K
Funded
enrollment
14
2
children with
IEP/IFSP
Further
Evaluation
2
2
Needed
Financial Statements
PROGRAM FUNDING July 1, 2014 June 31, 2015
Federal Funds Expended
$1,200,000
In-Kind Match (Local Source)
$793,697
Total
$1,993,697
EXPENDITURE (ACTUAL)
Personnel
Contractual Professional
Other Contractual
Insurance
Maintenance and Repair
Rental
Charges for County
General and Administration
Commodities
Contractual - Delegate
In-Kind Match (Local Source)
$1,054,687
$16,711
$7,084
$21,052
$49,991
$37,800
0
$12,675
0
0
$793,697
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Pg. 11
Total
$1,993,697
2013-2014 Financial Audit

An independent Single Audit Report of the V i t a l C o n n e c t i o n s o f t h e M i d l a n d s , I n c .
fiscal year ending on June 30 2014 is available for review at the following link.
http://www.vitalconnectionsofthemidlands.org
2014-2015 Federal Review Outlook
From 7/15/2013 to 7/19/2013, the Administration for
Children and Families (ACF) conducted a monitoring review of the Vital Connections
of the Midlands, Inc. Early Head Start program to determine whether the previously
identified findings had been c o r r e c t e d . Based on the information gathered during
our review, we have closed the previously identifiedfindings. Accordingly, no
corrective action is required at this time.
Enrollment at a Glance
Vital Connections of the Midlands Early Head Start Program is funded through the Department of
Health and Human Services. The Program serves children from zero to three and pregnant women.
Annually, a community assessment needs is conducted to ensure recruitment efforts are reaching
children and families who are the most vulnerable and needy, to include, families below the poverty
line, children with disabilities, families that are homeless, and pregnant women.
The Early Head Start Program served 114children cumulatively. VCM severed 37 children
for multiple years. 80Early Head Start children and 9 pregnant women were consistently served
during the 2014 2015 Program Year.
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90
Enrollment
80
70
77
60
50
40
30
31
20
10
4
Public Assistance
Foster Child
0
Income Eligible
Homeless
Over Income
Series 1
Parent Satisfaction Survey
Parent Satisfaction Survey forms in English, and Spanish were distributed to

93 families enrolled in the Early Head Start program and Vital Connections
program. T he key findings were:
Education/Child Outcomes
99% of respondents agreed their childs development advanced

while in the program.
99% of respondents agreed meeting with teachers provided
opportunities to share information about their childs strengths,
abilities and progress.
96% of respondents were familiar with the School Readiness Goals and
provided information about the progress of my child.
Relationship with Staff
97% of respondents agreed their questions and concerns were

handled appropriately.
98% of respondents agreed that their teacher works directly with
their child and makes a difference.
Reputation of Program
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97% of respondents are pleased with the staffs efforts in providing

information to parents about the programs rules and expectations.
98% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement that

leadership and management have the ability to provide high quality
services and education for my child.
Rochelle and Micah Outlaw

Rochelle Outlaw story
In 2010, I moved to Columbia, South Carolina to begin a Ph.D. program in history at the
University of South Carolina. Although I received a fellowship from the university, my budget was very
limited and I certainly could not afford high quality child care. I found VCM on the Office of Head Start
website and called their family advocate. She worked with me long distance as I was still living in
Chicago and had not yet arrived in Columbia. My daughter Nana enrolled at the Arthurtown center the
same day I began my studies at USC. A couple of years later, I learned that I was having another child
and applied to the EHS program as a pregnant mom. My son Micah enrolled at Arthurtown, again at
the same time as I was set to return to school that fall.
That year I was elected to Policy Council and became the Policy Council Chair. This position
provided me the opportunity to gain a tremendous amount of knowledge about VCM and Early Head
Start. I was also able to travel to various conferences where I met other parents and heard about how
EHS had impacted their lives. In the spring of 2014, the Arthurtown center director encouraged me to
apply for the Family Advocate position at VCM. I guess I wowed the interview panel with my knowledge
of Head Start because they hired me and I have served as one of the VCM Family Advocates since July
2014.
I will be forever grateful to Vital Connections and the Early Head Start program for the many
opportunities it has provided me both educationally and professionally. Knowing that my children were
safe and well taken care of has allowed me to accomplish my personal goals and maintain a 3.875 grade
point average. This coming May, I will compete my doctorate degree at USC. I know this would not
have been possible without the support Vital Connections has given me over the past five years. My
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children have had the most amazing teachers at Arthurtown and I could not have asked for a better
educational start for them. l love talking to parents about my experience with VCM and Early Head
Start. I heard a phrase at a Head Start conference a few years ago and it has become my mantra that I
tell every parent: Early Head Start is not a daycare; it is a school readiness program. VCM is a complete
high quality program that cares for children but cares for their parents also.
Tender Years Success Story

Jamie Bannister
Jamie Bannister was born into a very poor single parent household. He spent
his childhood bouncing around from various housing projects. He never
really planned to do much with his life and never believed he could do
better. It wasn't until he learned that he was going to be a father that he
tried to do better for himself for the sake of his children. Although he
applied for nearly 30 jobs he never got any interviews or job offers. He later
learned that a drug charge from his teenage years that he thought had been
expunged was not expunged. With the help of South Carolina Youth
Development he received a pardon from the state and the drug charge was
expunged. He tried again at Babcock for a job and was hired. Jamie has
been working at Babcock for 5 years. With the help of EHS he plans to enroll
at Midlands Tech this fall to obtain his Associate's degree in early childhood
development. He hopes to continue on at USC for his bachelor's in
education. Jamie's career goal is to teach young children, preferably at Early
Head Start. He believes that setting children on the right path for education
at is crucial. Since his children were enrolled in EHS, he says he has learned
how to be a better parent, he better understands his children's behavior, and
he has learned how to be more patient. Early Head Start has made his
children love books and reading. He has read over 100 books to his kids so
far this school year which has improved his own language and literacy skills.
Jamie is highly involved in the center and his children's classrooms. He
volunteers in the classroom and helps do snack packs. He is Policy Council
chair and Parent Committee chair. Jamie has attended every parent
committee meeting, every special event at the center, and every fatherhood
activity this year. Jamie is a current member of SCSHSA as well as VCM EHS.
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CHILDRENS GARDEN SUCCESS STORY

I want to start off by saying that since Ms. Althea Benson has been with Children's Garden I
have seen nothing but wonderful changes. My son, Jarius Gooden, has been at this center for I think a
little over three years & it wasn't until Ms. Benson came that Jarius has improved educationally &
socially in the dramatic sense. He wasn't suffering & he wasn't lacking, but I could see that he wasn't
getting what he needed in the beginning because of instability with Children's Garden. But although it
was a little rocky in the beginning, the staff at that time showed they cared a great deal about my
concerns, which is why I chose to keep him with Children's Garden. Children's Garden is convenient for
family members that if I wasn't available, family that was listed would be able to help me out. But it
wasn't just about convenience for me. I grew up in a household where education trumped everything;
my mother sacrificed a lot to make sure that not just socially, emotionally, & physically, we had the
best, but our education was top notch. Those are the things that I strive for in lieu of my children &
giving them the proper education is a number one priority. Ms. Benson has helped the families of
Children's Garden greatly & has shown great care in making sure our children's needs are being met.
There were times when I thought I would lose my job because I would have to stay home with my
children because of not being able to afford paying for them to be at school. But somehow, Mrs.
Benson always vouched for me and saved me what could have been a tumble effect of heartache. The
times I did have to pay, (before and after Early Head Start) I struggled & struggled hard. I pay a
mortgage, I pay car insurance, I pay a car note, I pay utilities individually, and those things together add
up to more than I make, but somehow I manage, all while being a full time college student and being
employed full time! My son has aged out of EHS and is now in the three year old class at CG and when I
was told that for Jarius I would have to pay 160 dollars a week for him to continue his education, my
heart sank because I never want to be in a situation where I have to compromise my children's
education simply because I can't afford it or because it will cause a host of other negative things to
happen financially. I've sat at my table and tried to figure out where or how I can save this money for
the purpose of my son's education & I just couldn't see it positively happening. I know in this world
there isn't anything that's free, but it disheartens me that I would possibly have to make a decision to
take my child away from a place where he is thriving because of my financial hardships. As I stated
earlier, Children's Garden has been a blessing! Ms. Benson's choice of teachers is beyond my words
because they are beyond great within themselves. Our children are not being treated as if they are in a
daycare and are just being babysat all day, but as if they were in regular school where it is structured. I
enjoy hearing my son sing songs he has learned and he is recognizing words, in which I am ecstatic! I
am going to continue to keep Janus with Children's Garden until he departs for kindergarten through
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the grace of God somehow. I appreciate each and every one of you who care for our children as if they
were your own. And I also want to thank you for addressing any concerns I may have had and
continuing to keep me updated on how to improve educational and social relationships with my son.
Gratefully,
Calista McKenzie
Parent Engagement
An essential part of Early Head Start is the involvement of parents in parent
education, program planning, and activities. VCM believes in the importance of
building and maintaining strong partnerships with our parents. As their childs
first and most influential teacher, parents have an important role in Early Head
Start. Participation in classes and workshops on child development and staff
visits to the familys home allow parents to learn about the needs of their
children and about educational activities that can take place in the home.
Parents are always welcome in the classrooms by helping with or leading
activities or projects, and introducing or sharing their culture with children.
There are a number of ways that parents can help teachers by sharing
opinions, ideas and thoughts, working on projects at home, communicating
with the staff, helping other parents feel welcome, and reinforcing learning at
home. In VCM Early Head Start program, parents have a voice in administrative
and managerial decisions through participation on the Policy Council. VCM
Early Head Start program offers parents the opportunity to participate in the
following activities:
Family Literacy Functions
Annual Self-Assessment
Parent Meetings
Parent/ Teacher Conferences
Home Visits
Socializations/PACT
Policy Council
Volunteer Opportunities
Family Partnership Agreement
Input into curriculum/ Input into program planning
Training or resource and referral information
Highlighted Activities
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o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Foreclosure Assistance Clinics

Communications Course
Muffins and Moms Mothers Day Celebration
Donuts and dads
Daddy Come Read to Me
Transition to Kindergarten
Nurturing Parenting Program
Reducing Violence through Family Empowerment
Budgeting and Savings
Family Reading Day
Rip the Run
Harvest Festival
Summer Festival
A mothers Story... As a mother of a 10-month old and 4 year old played with her children, she recalled
her first pregnancy and postpartum experience I remember I fainted and was told I had depression. I
didnt even know thats what I had. Being a mom for the first time, she lacked the support to share her
anxieties or clarify any lingering questions regarding her childs development and her own emotions.
During her second pregnancy, when she was expecting her child, a friend of hers spoke to her about the
Early Head Start program services. The mother was pleasantly surprised with the range of services
provided. At 3 months pregnant with her second child, she successfully enrolled into the Early Head
Start program and was enrolled. I felt very supported during my pregnancy and after I gave birth. Any
doubts I had, my childs teacher would help me. I didnt feel the depression I had felt after I had my first
child; in fact I did not feel depressed at all!
The mothers home visitor helped her complete medical forms and collect documents for her youngest
childs medical services, alleviating any undue stress for her. Postpartum, she was continually provided
mental and emotional support. She was provided with the educational tools, such as learning about
child development and safety, to confidently care for her child and herself My home visitor has given
me even more information than what my doctor sometimes gives me. I have learned about keeping my
baby safe in the car, in the cribwhat types of foods to feed him depending on his age. I feel very
supported and I always feel better after she visits me. At 10 months, her son continues to receive
Early Head Start services. He has had his first vision screening, participated in play groups, and receives
great reports. Early Head Starts comprehensive services and prenatal support help women like this
mother to become confident, healthy, and happy mothers.
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School Readiness and Child Outcomes

VCMs approach to School Readiness means that children are ready for
school, families are ready to support their childrens learning, and schools are
ready for children.
The most important goal of our early childhood curriculum, Creative
Curriculum, is to help children become enthusiastic learners by encouraging
children to be active and creative explorers who are not afraid to try out their
ideas and to think their own thoughts. Our goal is to help children become
independent, self-confident, inquisitive learners. We are teaching them how to
learn, not just in early care and education, but all through their lives. We are
allowing them to learn at their own pace and in the ways that are best for
them. We are giving children good habits and attitudes, particularly a positive
sense of themselves, which will make a difference throughout their lives. One
of our supplemental resources used in our classrooms includes Consciousness
Discipline Curriculum. Children are assessed using the Teaching Strategies Gold
Assessment. The 36 objectives are aligned with the SC Department of
Education Early Learning Standards, the Domains in the Head Start Child
Development Framework and SC Infant Toddler Guidelines. All promote
positive outcomes in Early Childhood Programs serving children O-3 years old.
Our over arching program goal is by 2020 all children will increase their
school readiness scores by 25%. Annually, every child will increase school
readiness scores by 5%, measured by Teaching Strategies Gold (TS Gold).
School Readiness means that children are ready for school, families are
ready to support their childrens learning, and schools are ready for children.
In 2014-2015 VCM children made progress on their school readiness
scores. In Approaches to Learning domain 98% of children met or exceed
expectations this represents a 20% increased from fall to end of year. Social
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Pg. 19
and Emotional domain 94% of children met or exceed expectations this

represents a 15% increased from fall to end of year. Cognition/General
knowledge 99% of children met or exceed goal this represents a 23%
increased from fall to end of year. Language and Literacy 96% of children
met or exceed expectations this represents an 18% increased from fall to
end of year. Physical Development and Health domain 100 % of children
met or exceed expectations this represents 24% increase over the course of
the year.
We are very proud of our children and their parent for the gains they have
made. For every child success there is a great teacher and FAMI that is
behind that child and family encouraging them to lean more and do more.
We are seeing those gains.
PREPARING CHILDREN FOR KINDERGARTEN
The Vital Connections of the Midlands EHS program uses the Teaching Strategy GOLD Assessment
System to track our childrens growth in 5 school readiness domains listed below. Teaching
Strategy GOLD scales are highly reliable. Measures of internal scale consistency range at a very
high level from 0.92 to 0.97.
*Percentage of growth demonstrated by children based on data from four documented assessments
conducted during the 2014-2015 program year.
SCHOOL READINESS GOALS

% OF CHILDREN THAT MET OR EXCEEDED GOAL EXPECTATIONS
99%
100%
Physical Development & Health
Social & Emotional Development
96%
94%
Approaches to Learning
Language and Literacy
Cognition/General Knowledge
98%
Page 19
Pg. 20
30%
School Readiness Goals
25%
% Growth during Program Year
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Series 1
Physical Health &

Development
Social &
Emotional
Development
Approaches to
Learning
Language &
Literacy
Cognition &
General
Knowledge
24%
15%
20%
20%
23%
Series 1
Linear (Series 1)
Volunteers make the difference!
Page 20
Pg. 21
Page 21
Pg. 22
Agency Success Story

VCM EHS has helped Diamond and her family to be able to go to school and
complete her goals. Ms. Harris graduated wit h an AA d e gree in E ar ly
Ch ild h oo d t h is ye ar! She is currently enrolled in Columbia College to
obtain her BS degree. Jaden is an active toddler at Tender Years. Ms. Harris
did her internship with us and she did so well VCM hired her. We are so
proud of her.
I am very pleased with my childs progress and very impressed with the
Early Head Start Program. Tiasha Ray Parent
Partnerships
VCM thanks all Parents, Policy Council Members, Board of Director
Members, Staff and Community Partners for their support for the children and
families enrolled in VCM Early Head Start program. We hope to continue
providing exemplary services to the children and families of our community.
Our Partners
United Way of the Midlands
Provides 20% match for the Early Head Start grant, and ongoing support for Vital
Connections of the Midlands.
South Carolina Baby Net
Assists with the assessment of disabilities for our Early Head Start children
Richland County School District One
Provides special education services, transition services, and two board members.
Women, Infant, Children (WIC)
Provide screening for Early Head Start childrens nutrition and physical needs
This Annual Report was adopted by the agencys Board of Directors on
September 22, 2015
Page 22
Pg. 23
For more information on

Early Head Start:
803-661-8685
Vitalconnectionofthemidlands.org
Page 23

Final 2014 Annual Report 2014 2015

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Vital Connections

4801 Colonial Dr.

VCM Annual Report 2014 2015

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

Health & Wellness______________________________________________________ 6

Childrens Garden Success Story

VCM Annual Report 2014 2015

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

We are very proud of our accomplishments and the support we provide to

VCM Annual Report 2014 2015

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

Jeremy Hodges, Vital Connections Board of Directors Chair

VCM Annual Report 2014 2015

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

VCM Annual Report 2014 2015

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

2014 - 2015 Program Governance

Jeremy Hodges- Chairman

Jamie Bannister- Chairperson

Robin McCants Executive/ Early

Ariel Tucker -alternate

Althea Benson-Center Director

George Cole-Center Director

Tina and Eric's Success Story at Arthurtown Early Head Start

In her own words..The Tina Ravnells Story

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH SERVICES

VCM Annual Report 2014 2015

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

Dental & Oral Health Services

promote life-long well-being.

VCM Annual Report 2014 2015

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

Body Mass Index (BMI)

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

VCM Annual Report 2014 2015

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

In-Kind Match (Local Source)

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

2013-2014 Financial Audit

VCM Annual Report 2014 2015

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

Parent Satisfaction Survey

Parent Satisfaction Survey forms in English, and Spanish were distributed to

99% of respondents agreed their childs development advanced

Relationship with Staff

97% of respondents agreed their questions and concerns were

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

97% of respondents are pleased with the staffs efforts in providing

98% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement that

Rochelle and Micah Outlaw

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

Tender Years Success Story

VCM Annual Report 2014 2015

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

CHILDRENS GARDEN SUCCESS STORY

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

Annual Report to the Public 2014-2015

Foreclosure Assistance Clinics

VCM Annual Report 2014 2015