TEACHER ASHLEY STRICKLAND is pictured with children at the Family Focus facility in Brunswick.
The Times Record: What is the mission of Family Focus?
Family Focus: Family Focus partners with families to provide high-quality care and education to meet the individual needs of our children. We are committed to preparing children for future success through credentialed staff, nurturing environments and research-based curriculum.
TR: How do you fulfill that mission?
FF: Family Focus is committed to serving a widely diverse population in universal settings with support and education for all its families. Family Focus ensures its programs are of the highest quality by following the National Association of Young Children (NAEYC) for 0-5 years or Council of Accreditation (COA) for school-age standards of care.
We do not discriminate, nor do we refuse services to those clients with special needs who will benefit from our programs. Family Focus ensures that its programs are affordable by accepting ASPIRE, Transitional Child Care and state of Maine child-care subsidies.
TR: What are the biggest challenges your organization faces?
FF: Quality in programming doesn’t just happen. It takes adequate training, appropriate space and materials for good, frequent supervision and support of staff.
The difference between a center that struggles to make ends meet and one with additional resources that can be directed to the appropriate need is very often the difference between a program that provides safe and adequate care and a quality program that supports and encourages the growth and development of the children in its care.
TR: What is something people do not know about Family Focus?
FF: Family Focus was established in 1985 to provide affordable, quality child care and education to children of working families in the Mid-coast area. Its programs developed to meet community needs and operate in collaboration with schools, other organizations and businesses in the area.
Services are provided in Sagadahoc County, Brunswick and Harpswell for children ages 6 weeks to sixth grade and served a total of 435 children in 2014.
TR: How can people best support your mission?
FF: Through their support of the United Way of Mid Coast Maine.
dkim@timesrecord.com
Contact information
NAME OF ORGANIZATION: Family Focus
YEAR FOUNDED: 1985
ADDRESS: 2 Davenport Circle, Bath, ME 04530
PHONE NUMBER: 207-386-1662
WEBSITE: www.familyfocusme.org
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