Rutgers Child Care Resource Agency to Host ‘I Came with Instructions’ Dinner, Dec. 13

RIO GRANDE – The Rutgers Southern Regional Child Care Resource and Referral Agency is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a celebratory dinner for those who participated in the inaugural “I Came with Instructions” (ICWI) program. The Parent Café will be held Dec. 13, 2017, at the Rutgers Southern Regional Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, 1065 Rt. 47 So. Rio Grande, NJ 08242 at 5:30 p.m.  Those who did not participate in the inaugural program but have a child 1 year of age or younger who would like to learn about the program are also welcome to attend. 
Developed by Rutgers Southern Regional CCR&R Cape May Site Manager, Christa Loper, “I Came with Instructions” focuses on parental resilience as outlined in the Center for the Study of Social Policy’s five research-based Protective Factors: resilience, staying socially connected, knowledge of child development and parenting, knowing where to find concrete supports in times of need as well as nurturing the social and emotional well-being of their children.  The overarching goal is to help children and families develop brighter futures using the five protective factors in their daily lives. This pilot project has been well received and is proving to be a valuable resource for the success of families in our Cape May County community.  Christa Loper stated that “the Rutgers CCR&R is very appreciative of the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Human Services Advisory Council for providing the funding for this innovative program aimed at improving the outcomes for the children and families in Cape May County.”   
The project has created an “I Came with Instructions” Facebook page where families can continue to acquire child development and family information from national clearinghouses such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Zero to Three.  You can follow them on the “I Came with Instructions” Facebook page for updates and materials to support the Five Protective Factors.
To RSVP to the Parent Café and obtain more information, please call The Rutgers Southern Regional Child Care Resource and Referral Agency at 609-898-5500 by December 8, 2017.