Child and Family Services of Lea County

Head start pre-school and early head start Services are provided free of charge through a federal grant funded by the us department of health and human Services. Services were provided to 379 children during the school year. Agency funds generated from various sources support the head start and early head start programs.

The summer lunch program provides children with breakfasts and lunches at no cost during the summer months. The program is funded on a reimbursement basis by the us department of agriculture through the new mexico children, youth and families department. The reimbursements for the food program are used to pay for meals, supplies, salaries of operational staff and administrative costs incurred by the program. The program served a total of 40,172 meals to approximately 1,500 children ages one to 18 throughout the summer.

Child care Services are provided on a sliding scale fee. Over ninety percent (90%) of the families are economically disadvantaged and pay a minimal fee to absorb the daily operational costs. Families whose income is at 150% or below the federal guidelines are able to obtain a Child care state subsidy contract through the new mexico children, youth and families department that pays all or a partial amount of their Child care directly to cfs, Inc. Child care Services were provided to approximately 146 children.

Through Child & Family Services, inc.'s Family connections program, families and children are provided a variety of experiences and tools to support school readiness and postivie learning outcomes. By forming positive, goal-directed relationships with families, and by providing programs that support children's learning and development. This program offers meaningful decision-making opportunities, provides information on healthy development and connects families with resources to address causes of stress, and actively engages families in the Family connections program results in ready children and ready parents. The program funds Family connections parent-child events expenses, parent development opportunities and to purchase learning materials, books and literacy activities for the children's homes. A comprehensive staff and Family health and wellness program is offered to all staff, children and their families and includes activities, experiences, training and information that addresses their health holistically. Parents and staff who are involved in the program have positive improvements not only in their health but also in academics and job performance. The spark (supporting partnerships to assure readiness kids) is comprised of 25 agencies who meet quarterly to discuss current needs, issues and gaps of Services in our community for low-income children and their families. The spark team work collaboratively to respond to needs and resolve any identified concerns. Spark supports a smooth transition from preschool to kindergarten and life-long school success through the strong partnerships developed and the shared commitment of valuing and engaging parents.