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Information Dissemination Committee
Update 1/26/2000

The Consortium's Information Dissemination Committee is reviewing child care information dissemination resources already in use throughout the state by CMAs, government agencies, and the commercial sector. These materials include brochures, video tapes, web sites or links, journals and other publications. We wish to determine the most efficient techniques to communicate the mission of the consortium to enhance the quality of child care for everyone in Alabama.

The Committee is seeking the participation of additional members from throughout the state. We are especially interested in persons who have experience in public relations, writing, electronic and print media, who can volunteer their expertise to this effort on a local or statewide basis. If you or your organization is interested in supporting communications to improve child care, please e-mail committee co-facilitator Jim Willett or phone 1-205-934-1105 (UAB Civitan Center office).

As the consortium's initiatives move into full swing, specific information dissemination plans will be developed to support these efforts.

Initial Committee Report and Overview 12/99

Public awareness quality child care and the lack of communication among child care stakeholders have been identified as important challenges in the child care community. The Information Dissemination advisory committee addressed these and related issues.

What do we currently know about how information is disseminated to child care providers in Alabama?

Information is currently disseminated in Alabama using many, but often unrelated methods. There is no centralized source for the beginnings of information dissemination. Communication is primarily performed by individual organizations, determining what information is useable, and passing it on to others. Several useful means of information dissemination were identified, and we will use these, as well as new and innovative means to widen, strengthen, unify and focus future attempts at information dissemination related to child care. These include:

• Internet (email, world wide web sites)
• Newsletters (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly)
• Training calendars (usually bimonthly)
• Workshops
• News magazines (annual)
• Books
• Word-of-mouth

What policies currently guide information dissemination?

• Currently the policies that guide child care information dissemination are determined by individual organizations or by their funding agencies.
• There seems to be no mandated information dissemination process specifically designed to foster trust between parents and child care professionals.

What obstacles or barriers will be encountered as we seek to use computer-based technology for information exchange?

• Fear/intimidation of technology
• Lack of a recognized, authoritative source for child care information
• Lack of training in computer use
• Availability of equipment
• Need for technical assistance
• Need to maintain a "personal contact" at all times.

What are some innovative solutions to these barriers?

• An increase in training and equipment availability
• Technology Workshops
• Technical support staff
• Use of existing programs to spread the message (Americorps, Scouting organizations, television, radio, etc.)

What are the best practices or standards that should guide a web-based information and communication network?

• Consistency, quality, and easy accessibility.

What are some possible funding sources for expanding these efforts?

• Partnerships with utility companies (Southern Company, etc)
• Partnerships with large, visible companies (Mercedes, Honda, etc)
• Donations via tax forms
• Partnerships with TV/Radio stations
• State Departments/Agencies’ support
• Partnerships with companies that make family-oriented products (Campbell, Pampers, etc.)

What type of training is needed to make this a success?

Training and communication that identifies and meets the needs of parents, child care professionals, private industry, and government agencies relative to the direct importance of child care to everyone in the community is needed. An information dissemination process that can focus a consistent and useful information flow, and the know-how to use new information technologies can play a vital role in facilitating improved child care and the public awareness of these issues.