ROSS Early Childhood Center

In February 2006, in preparation for developing a self-sufficiency program, Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) surveyed its residents to find the most common barriers to self-sufficiency.

One of the most common of these barriers identified was the ability to find affordable childcare.

The Sarasota Housing Authority ROSS department went to work devising a method to assist our residents to overcome this barrier.

 

“Child care remains one of the
major barriers to employment and
self-sufficiency for many of our
low-income families. This partnership
with Children First and the funding
provided by the federal ROSS grant
from HUD is a major accomplishment
that removes that barrier and gives
our families a true opportunity to
better their lives,”
William Russell, Executive Director

Through a partnership with local childcare agency, Children First, and the help of both Habitat for Humanity and Dooley Mack Constructors, and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, SHA opened an on-site childcare facility in June 2007. The facility provides care for the children of SHA residents who are working or attending qualified training for at least 20 hours per week. Residents who are not ROSS participants also use the daycare with the assistance of local childcare subsidy provider, Childcare Connection (pdf).

The ROSS Early Childhood Center provides drop in care for residents to attend ROSS Programs at no charge. Residents who complete Job Skills and find employment through the ROSS Program also qualify for a limited childcare scholarship provided by ROSS funds until Childcare Connection (pdf) is able to provide subsidy.

In addition to managing the ROSS Early Childhood Center, Children First also provides training opportunities for residents in Early Childhood Development.

Job Skills, Life Skills & Early Childhood Devlopment Graduate Tequila Harvey at work in the ROSS Daycare.

 

 

 

 

After training and 20 hours of volunteer work to determine if the field is a match for them, the resident may be hired by Children First and become a full-time daycare worker.