A local program designed to improve the quality of child care and give parents a resource for finding and rating providers will be extended throughout Indiana beginning in January.
Called Paths to Quality, the program is operated by 4C of Southern Indiana Inc., a non-profit child care resource and referral agency, and funded by the Welborn Baptist Foundation. The "4C" in the organization's name stands for Community Coordinated Child Care.
Paths to Quality was originally created by the Early Childhood Alliance of Fort Wayne, Ind., but was adapted and enhanced by 4C,
which serves 11 counties in Southwestern Indiana. State and local officials announced the statewide expansion of the program during a press conference this morning at Central United Methodist Church in Evansville.
"This is a really, really exciting day for Southern Indiana," said Erin Ramsey, 4C executive director.
Michelle Thomas, administrator of the Division of Family Resources at the Indiana Bureau of Child Care, said the program's standards received a positive review by Purdue University.