Coordinated Services
for Infants, Toddlers & Preschool Children
in Marion County

The Marion County Early Childhood Task Force (ECTF) is under the umbrella of Communities in Schools of Marion County, a local nonprofit organization. For information on early childhood programs, contact any agency listed below, or CIS of Marion County at 620-947-3184.

"You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth." - Kahlil Gibran

Children's Mercy Family Health Partners

Children's health insurance, medical services, resources & training

1-800-347-9363
www.fhp.org

ChildStart

Providing training for childcare providers, information on childcare resources for parents, agency supports.

1-800-684-3962
www.childstart.org

Early Intervention Services

... for infants and young children with developmental delays.

Services provided at no cost for children from birth to kindergarten who have developmental delays or disabilities. Provided in home or childcare setting. Include a range of educational and therapeutic services to improve infant-child development.

For more information contact: Debbi Darrow, Marion Co. Early Intervention Services, 302 W. 8th, Florence, KS 66851, 1-877-878-4519 ext. 111

ECKCRRA

East Central Kansas Childcare Resource & Referral Agency

Providing Training for childcare providers and information on childcare resources in Marion County.

For information, contact: Beverly Long, 1-888-724-3206

Head Start

Head Start provides preschool services for children ages 3 to 5 who qualify under income guidelines. Half-day classes, transportation, academic and social skills building provided in nurturing, structured atmosphere by trained staff. Therapeutic preschool provided for challenging children in partnership with Prairie View.

For information contact: Kalin Koehn, Director, McPherson/Marion Co. Head Start Services, 620-241-9590

KSU/Marion County Extension Services

Information on infant-toddler nutrition, parent support and other services.

For Information, contact: Nancy Pihl, 620-382-2325

Marion County Health Department

WIC nutrition program, childhood immunizations, KAN Be Healthy exams, well-child physicals, health & safety programs.

For information contact: Diedre Serene, Administrator, 620-382-2550

Marion County Safe Kids Chapter & Healthy Start Home Visitor Program

Safe Kids: Car Seat Safety Checks, Infant-Child Car Seat Rental, Child Safety Training.

Healthy Start: home visits with mothers of newborns to provide information and support.

For information contact: Sondra Mayfield, Marion County Health Department, 620-382-2550

Parents As Teachers

... Because Parents are their child's first and best teacher.

Marion County Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a home based program available for ALL infants and children in Marion County between ages birth through age 3 and their parents. Trained parent educators provide monthly home visits, weekly play groups, a monthly newsletter, and quarterly event nights such as Big Truck Night, Infant-Toddler CPR Training, and Sensory Play. Parent to child reading, floor play, safety tips, resource referrals, and other supports are provided.

For information, contact:

Lori Soo Hoo, Director, 812 East A Street, Hillsboro, Kansas 67063, Cell# 620-947-4041

Prairie View Early Childhood Services

Consultation and Training using Conscious Discipline

Have a better connection with the child,
Develop "loving rituals"
Find creative ways to help children listen,
Help children to cooperate,
Improve child behaviors.
Using the Conscious Discipline model developed by Dr. Becky Bailey, consultation services for preschool staff, parents, kindergarten teachers, and others are available to assist in creating a safe environment that encourages social-emotional development. Conscious Discipline book studies and trainings are offered. Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) preschool curriculum is also incorporated.

For information, contact: Cheri Ochs Wheeler, LSCSW, 805 Western Heights, Hillsboro, KS 67063, 620-947-3200