Children & Families On-line Network strengthens early childhood agencies and educators.DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 14, 1995--When parents are feeling overwhelmed by their child-rearing responsibilities, one of the best things they can do is talk with other parents. That kind of sharing is just as valuable to agencies serving young children and families, and to professionals involved in early childhood education -- but there isn't always another professional next door. A program announced today will bring them "almost next door, using modern telecommunications to put all the current knowledge and ideas at every agency's fingertips "Fingertips" is a 1963 number-one hit single recorded live by "Little" Stevie Wonder for Motown's Tamla label. Wonder's first hit single, "Fingertips" was the first live, non-studio recording to reach number-one on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in the United States. ," said Jane Prancan, director of the U S WEST Foundation. The Denver-based Foundation announced a $550,000 grant to create the Children & Families Network, an "on-line" computer service linking agencies in 14 western states. "Professionals working with children and families are facing huge challenges," Prancan said. "They need easy-to-use, low-cost connections to information, education and consultation. And we want to help provide those connections." The network will be developed by a partnership between HandsNet, a national, non-profit information and communications network The transmission channels interconnecting all client and server stations as well as all supporting hardware and software. , and the Center for Human Investment Policy (CHIP) at the University of Colorado at Denver
In 1912, the University of Colorado established a downtown Denver campus to meet the needs of the city's rapidly expanding . Prancan said the network will eventually link thousands of agencies that work on issues affecting children and families. Most will be in the 14 states served by U S WEST Communications, but the network will link those agencies to national resources as well. The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA NACCRRA National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies ) will manage the information on early child care and education found on HandsNet. Sam Karp, executive officer of HandsNet in Cupertino, Calif., said his organization will provide training and technical assistance to agencies throughout the 14 states. "We want to help them integrate the benefits of this technology into their day-to-day work." The network will link agencies' computers to other computers that store information on early childhood programs, policies, studies, laws and other resources. The network will also make it possible for local professionals to participate in "on- line" conferences on issues affecting their work. Participants can see and respond to others' comments, on their computer screens, instantly and without the cost of travelling to professional meetings. Donna Garnett, executive director of CHIP, said the network will be "the most strategic and efficient tool for practitioners in promoting responsible parenthood, quality child care, and a strong educational foundation for our youngest children." The program will be developed over a two-year period, beginning immediately. The 14 states served by U S WEST Communications are: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico New Mexico, state in the SW United States. At its northwestern corner are the so-called Four Corners, where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet at right angles; New Mexico is also bordered by Oklahoma (NE), Texas (E, S), and Mexico (S). , North Dakota North Dakota, state in the N central United States. It is bordered by Minnesota, across the Red River of the North (E), South Dakota (S), Montana (W), and the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (N). , Oregon, South Dakota South Dakota (dəkō`tə), state in the N central United States. It is bordered by North Dakota (N), Minnesota and Iowa (E), Nebraska (S), and Wyoming and Montana (W). , Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The U S WEST Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the Western United States Noun 1. western United States - the region of the United States lying to the west of the Mississippi River West Santa Fe Trail - a trail that extends from Missouri to New Mexico; an important route for settlers moving west in the 19th century . It manages charitable contributions charitable contribution n. in taxation, a contribution to an organization which is officially created for charitable, religious, educational, scientific, artistic, literary, or other good works. and grantmaking programs for U S WEST Inc. and its family of companies. Since 1990, the Foundation has invested more than $8 million in early childhood education and advocacy programs of more than 50 organizations. HandsNet is the nation's premier human services network. Founded in 1987, it links nearly 4,000 public interest and human service organizations across the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . HandsNet members include national research centers, community-based service providers, local and state government agencies, public policy advocates, legal services legal services n. the work performed by a lawyer for a client. programs, foundations and grassroots coalitions. HandsNet is financed by member fees and development contracts, and grants from a variety of foundations and corporate sponsors. The Center for Human Investment Policy at the University of Colorado at Denver helps educational, human services and health organizations develop policies, programs and systems of care aimed at improving outcomes for children and families. CONTACT: U S WEST Inc. Theresa Montoya, 303/793-6686 or U S WEST Foundation John Metzger or Bret Clement, 303/786-7000 |
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