National Human Trafficking Prevention Month: AACHTC Red Sand Project Event

In conjunction with National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Board of Child Care invites you to join the Anne Arundel County Human Trafficking Collaborative and Park Books’ powerful, eye-catching Red Sand Project Event. This interactive installation and gathering aims to raise awareness and spark conversation about the hidden crime of human trafficking not only internationally, but within the community of Anne Arundel County. BCC is proud to be the sponsor of this event!

Turning the Tide with Awareness

On January 18, 2024, at 12:00 pm (rain or shine), participants will gather at Park Books’ Community Space (2nd Floor) at 555 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, Severna Park, MD, 21146. The event will begin with a brief presentation from community partners in the fight against human trafficking:

  • Lauren Alexander-Binns, PMP, PI, Chair of the Anne Arundel County Human Trafficking Collaborative Public Awareness Subcommittee, Founder of HALT, and Physical Security Analyst, E-ISAC
  • Alexandria Garcia-Rodriguez Clay, Vice-Chair of the Anne Arundel County Human Trafficking Collaborative Public Awareness Subcommittee and Family Navigator for the Anne Arundel County Partnership
  • Caryl Ralph, Coordinator with the Anne Arundel Co. Department of Social Service Child Advocacy Center
  • Jasmine Mayo, Anne Arundel County Regional Navigator Supervisor with Board of Child Care

Following the presentation, the community will unite in a symbolic act of solidarity. Together, we will pour red sand into cracks and crevices, which represents the hidden nature of human trafficking and the vulnerabilities that make individuals susceptible. This impactful visual will serve as a reminder that the fight against modern-day slavery requires the vigilance and support of everyone.

“In the campaign against human trafficking, awareness and advocacy is the shield that prevents victims from slipping through the cracks of exploitation. Addressing modern-day slavery, is no small feat, but by igniting a collective call to action within our community, we can strive to be the light casting out the darkness of an epidemic that knows no societal bounds,” states the chairwoman of Anne Arundel County Hun1an Trafficking Collaborative’s Public Awareness Subcommittee, Lauren Alexander Binns. “The Red Sand Project offers a visually striking way to educate our community, highlight the warning signs, and empower individuals to take action and stand against this grave injustice.”

Joining the Movement

The Anne Arundel County Human Trafficking Collaborative is committed to raising awareness and building a network of community partners to combat human trafficking. This event serves as a vital step in that direction, encouraging open dialogue and inspiring concrete action.

We encourage everyone in Anne Arundel County to join us for this impactful event. Learn about the realities of human trafficking, connect with resources, and become a part of the solution. Please RSVP to PublicAwarenessAACHTC@gmail.com by January 15, 2024 or visit the link for more details. Together, we can create a community where all individuals are valued and protected. Let’s make Anne Arundel County a beacon of hope in the fight against human trafficking.

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BCC’s Nicole Smith Recognized for Leadership and Advocacy in Support of New Law for Social Work Licensing Exam

— Groundbreaking legislation will create a more equitable system for social workers in Maryland —

The Board of Child Care (BCC) today announced that its Executive Director of Maryland & DC Programs, Nicole Smith, has been recognized for her instrumental role in the creation and passage of new legislation aimed at addressing racial disparities in social work exam passing rates.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently signed into law a bill that will address the social worker shortage and the racial disparities in passing rates for the national exams administered by the Association of Social Work Boards. Smith and her colleagues worked closely with a group of people to challenge the inequity of the exam and advocated for the bill, HB 145, which is now law.

 

With the new law in place, a formal workgroup, funded by the Maryland Department of Health, will work to find an alternative to the current test due to the disparity. The results of the exam have shown that there are disparate passing rates for black and brown social workers. According to data, between 2011 and 2021 in Maryland, the first-time pass rates for white and Black test takers were 93% and 56%, respectively.

A leading voice in the call for change, Smith joined others in Annapolis who were instrumental in the bill to witness Governor Moore enact the law that will not only benefit Maryland’s social workers, but those who receive their care and services aimed at improving their improving their lives.

“This new law is a significant step towards addressing the racial disparities in social work exam passing rates, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Nicole Smith and her colleagues,” said Laurie Anne Spagnola, CEO of the Board of Child Care.

“Nicole’s commitment to equity and justice is inspiring, and we are incredibly proud to have her as a member of our team.”

About the Board of Child Care

The Board of Child Care is a private, 501(c)3 not-for-profit that has been serving youth and their families for over 145 years. The organization’s history is rooted in faith, with its early beginnings being several orphanages operated by the United Methodist Church throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Following several mergers, first in 1960 and another in 2019, it is known today as the Board of Child Care. With a staff of 700+, an annual budget around $50 million, and its network of partners, BCC supports communities via a national footprint of programs that extend across the Eastern half of the United States. Its broad spectrum of services to youth and their families includes residential, mental/behavioral health, trauma response, family support, and education. To learn more or see how you can get involved, visit www.boardofchildcare.org

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BCC Extends Deepest Condolences to Staff Member Affected by Tragic Loss to Gun Violence

It is with heavy hearts that Board of Child Care (BCC) announces the passing of Arianna Davis, daughter to BCC staff member, Antionette Belk. Arianna was struck by gunfire while riding in her family’s vehicle this past Mother’s Day, and sadly succumbed to her injuries yesterday.

Ms. Antoinette, as she is affectionately known by her students, is a teacher at BCC’s Early Learning Program in Washington. She has the truly incredible gift of fostering a joyful, caring, and compassionate classroom environment. Her dedication, commitment, and unwavering spirit make a lasting impact on her students and all who enter her classroom.

“The loss of a child is an indescribable sorrow, and we are united in offering our deepest condolences to Ms. Antoinette and her entire family,” said Laurie Anne Spagnola, BCC’s President & CEO. “In light of this tragedy, we are extending our full support to Ms. Antoinette and all of our DC staff, both professionally and personally, as they grieve and begin the healing process.”

BCC has made resources and support available to ensure that Ms. Antoinette and the wider BCC team have access to a variety of assistance. These include ongoing mental health resources, such as access to an on-site licensed counselor as well as local support through the Department of Health. All staff have access to an employee assistance program (EAP) as well as paid time off to attend to their personnel wellbeing and recovery. The center will be closed on the day of Arianna’s funeral.

BCC also recognizes that incidents of gun violence are devastating and affect countless lives in our communities and beyond. We stand firmly in advocating for sensible gun control measures and supporting organizations dedicated to reducing violence and promoting peace.

During this time of mourning, we ask that the privacy of Ms. Antoinette and her family be respected. We kindly request that any media inquiries or messages of support be directed to Board of Child Care’s public relations department.

For more information about this tragic event, click here.

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Board of Child Care Awarded Grant to Support Youth Incentive Store at Mechanicsburg Campus

MECHANICSBURG, PA (January 2023) — The John L. and C. Jeanette Witmer Charitable Trust has awarded a special distribution grant to the Board of Child Care to support its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) store at its Mechanicsburg campus.

The store serves as an incentive to support the behavioral, academic, social, and treatment goals of the program’s youth. The same PBIS system used by BCC in its residential program is employed by tens of thousands of schools across the United States (often operating under different names and flavors, such as ‘behavior bucks’). In general, these programs help to lower critical incidents, increase engagement, and focus on rewarding positive behavior.

BCC staff reward kids throughout the day with “BCC bucks” that they can then use to shop.  The grant funds will be used to keep the store supplied with apparel, sports equipment and games, and bigger ticket items like field trips and other special interest activities.

“The stores are important components of our residential program, and we are grateful to the John L. and C. Jeanette Witmer Charitable Trust for the generous support,” said Laurie Anne Spagnola, BCC president & CEO.

“This system has been proven to improve social emotional competence and academic success, improve engagement, and actually also improve relationships between the caregivers and kids.”

PBIS is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health of our residential youth. PBIS has been proven to improve social emotional competence and academic success, as well as the health and wellbeing of caregivers. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable and safe learning and living environments where everyone thrives. Thank you to the John L. and C. Jeanette Witmer Charitable Trust for their extraordinary support!

We use PBIS across our residential locations. Want to help? We are always accepting contributions or donations of commonly used store items.

More info here:

PBIS Incentive Stores

About the Board of Child Care

The Board of Child Care is a private, 501(c)3 not-for-profit that has been serving youth and their families for over 145 years. The organization’s history is rooted in faith, with its early beginnings being several orphanages operated by the United Methodist Church throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Following several mergers, first in 1960 and another in 2019, it is known today as the Board of Child Care. With a staff of 700+, an annual budget around $50 million, and its network of partners, BCC supports communities via a national footprint of programs that extend across the Eastern half of the United States. Its broad spectrum of services to youth and their families include residential, mental/behavioral health, trauma response, family support, and education. To learn more or see how you can get involved, visit boardofchildcare.org.

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Board of Child Care Awarded Grant to Support Strengthening Families Program in Central Pennsylvania

MECHANICSBURG, PA (January 2023) — The Greater Harrisburg Community Foundation has awarded a grant to the Board of Child Care to sponsor the Strengthening Families Program in Central Pennsylvania.

The Strengthening Families Program – a partnership between Cumberland County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Dickinson College, and Board of Child Care – is a free, community-based, family-friendly prevention program available to families in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, and surrounding communities.

The program provides families with enhanced parenting techniques to build transformative generational life skill changes that strengthen family bonds. This is achieved by working with parents on their parenting skills and helping youth (ages 10-14) with decision-making, life skills, conflict resolution, and peer pressure.

Participants meet one evening each week for seven weeks, beginning with a group meal. Facilitators meet separately with parents and youth to work on specific topics ranging from coping skills to goal setting, conflict resolution, empathy, understanding developmental changes, avoiding substance abuse, and ways to show love and support. Then, participants reconnect, talk about the new skills they learned, and practice decision-making and joint problem-solving skills through role-playing.

“This program provides the tools, language, and safe environment families need to rebuild positive relationships,” said Laurie Anne Spagnola, BCC President and CEO.

“We are so excited to partner with Cumberland County Drug and Alcohol Commission and Dickinson College to bring this program back as an offering to the community in Central PA and we are grateful to the Greater Harrisburg Community Foundation for helping to make it possible.”

About the Board of Child Care

The Board of Child Care is a private, 501(c)3 not-for-profit that has been serving youth and their families for over 145 years. The organization’s history is rooted in faith, with its early beginnings being several orphanages operated by the United Methodist Church throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Following several mergers, first in 1960 and another in 2019, it is known today as the Board of Child Care. With a staff of 700+, an annual budget around $50 million, and its network of partners, BCC supports communities via a national footprint of programs that extend across the Eastern half of the United States. Its broad spectrum of services to youth and their families include residential, mental/behavioral health, trauma response, family support, and education. To learn more or see how you can get involved, visit boardofchildcare.org.

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BCC Wins Best Practice Award from EAGLE Commission

BCC-wins-best-practice-award-2019-eagle-commissionFrom Left to right:  Robert Kelly (Board Chair), Laurie Anne Spagnola (President & CEO), Nicole Smith (Executive Director of MD & DC Programs), Bob Kimmons (Board Member), Kevin Gralley (Vice Chair)

BCC Wins Best Practice Award from EAGLE Commission

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Kristian Sekse
Chief Operating Officer
(443) 845-4395 (cell)
ksekse@boardofchildcare.org

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – February 19, 2019. Board of Child Care announced today it had received a best practice award from the EAGLE Accreditation Commission.  The best practice award is given to organizations doing standard practices in an outstanding way.

Summary of the Nomination

In 2016 a tragedy occurred at a Delaware residential program that took the life of a young lady from Maryland. This prompted the expedited, targeted removal of all MD youth from that facility. The programming needs of these youth were considerably outside the traditional profile served by BCC at the time. Eleven youth ultimately transferred to BCC because of the tragedy, and with the knowledge that significant challenges were expected to serve these young people and their families, BCC sprang into action.

Staff learned skills such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for the Developmentally Delayed individuals (TCI – DD), and were retrained to collect new types of behavioral and environmental data. Major investments in the facilities such as safe, non-breakable windows and calming rooms were made. As the new program progressed its data was tracked and, ultimately, showed very positive outcomes for some of the youth who were previously not considered to be able to be served by any Maryland provider.

In the end being closer to family, combined with a deep focus on prescribed medications and behavior management drove better treatment outcomes. Big picture, the event in Delaware and BCC’s adaptations to its high intensity residential program made an impact at the state level. The State of Maryland released a Request for Proposal that utilized the hard work of BCC as the framework for new programming offered in state. BCC responded to the opportunity in 2018 and is still anxiously waiting the awarding of the contract to serve Emotional, Cognitive and Developmentally Delayed youth and their families.

What outcomes or benefits came from this practice or program?

Kids with complex problems and treatment needs were able to be served in the state in which they live. Being closer to family drove better treatment outcomes. BCC was able to respond to the State of Maryland in their time of need. BCC shared this practice, and our learning with some of our United Methodist partners from different states like WV and GA. BCC developed more capacity to serve some of the state’s most vulnerable youth.

Why is this considered a best practice?

Working with complex trauma is something very few organizations do or do well. During the research phase BCC traveled to providers in California and Oregon widely considered the best in this space. The way BCC prepared to serve this newer, more acute population is a best practice because what was learned from the leading agencies in this space was applied to the new program structure. The results of our data collection drove a new program offering by the state of Maryland.

Disclosure:

BCC’s President & CEO, Laurie Anne Spagnola, was at the time of this award a board member of the United Methodist Association (UMA), the not-for-profit that oversees EAGLE accreditation. However, Ms. Spagnola was not a member of the selection committee nor was she privy to conversations during deliberations for the award. 

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Thomas L. Curcio, former President/CEO and youth advocate passes away.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kristian Sekse
(443) 845-4395 (cell)
ksekse@boardofchildcare.org

BOARD OF CHILD CARE ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF THOMAS L. CURCIO, FORMER PRESIDENT/CEO

Baltimore, Md. – August 23, 2017 – “On behalf of the Board of Child Care (BCC) Board of Directors, our employees, and program alumni, it is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Thomas Curcio,” stated Guy Everhart, chair of the board of directors.  “Our hearts and prayers are with the Curcio family.” Mr. Curcio, passed away August 22, 2017.

Mr. Curcio started his career in the field of child welfare more than 45 years ago.  In 1993, he took over as executive director (later becoming president and CEO) of the Board of Child Care and led BCC through remarkable growth. When Mr. Curcio assumed his leadership post, BCC had an annual budget of just $3 million and served 50 youth on one campus. Upon his retirement on June 30, 2014, the organization spanned Maryland, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia and served hundreds of children and young adults annually.

During Mr. Curcio’s leadership the Board of Child Care received several honors including Organization of the Year Award and Best Practice Award for Innovative Programming from the United Methodist Association. In 2009 Mr. Curcio was named Administrator of the Year by the same association. A year prior, he received the Samuel Gerson Nordlinger Child Welfare Leadership Award from the Alliance for Children and Families.

An Ellicott City resident, Mr. Curcio graduated from Gannon University in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He held both a master’s in criminal justice from Long Island University and a master’s in social work from Hunter College, School of Social Work.

Family and friends may call at the Candle Light Funeral Home by Craig Witzke for a memorial gathering on Friday, 6-8pm. Services and Interment private. For further information and/or to post condolences, please visit www.candlelightfuneralhome.com

About the Board of Child Care

The Board of Child Care has a long history of serving children and families in the community.  The organization began as three United Methodist orphanages that opened in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which later merged in 1960 to become the Board of Child Care.

Today, the Board of Child Care’s $32 million annual budget provides programs that enrich communities, one family at a time.  It offers residential treatment, mental health, special and early learning educational programs, and community-based programs throughout the Mid-Atlantic.  To see a map of all program locations and descriptions of each BCC program, visit boardofchildcare.org.

 

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PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BCC & BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE NOW PROVIDING TUTORS FOR FOSTER CARE YOUTH

blue-ridge-community-technical-college-tutors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kristian Sekse
443-845-4395 (cell)
ksekse@boardofchildcare.org

Martinsburg, WV – October 17, 2016 – The Board of Child Care’s (BCC) West Virginia programs have partnered with Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (Blue Ridge CTC) to provide tutors for youth served by BCC.

Blue Ridge CTC student tutors are education majors who are taking a class that requires at least ten hours of face to face experience with at-risk youth. The Blue Ridge CTC students will provide one to two hours tutoring weekly from October through December. Cumulatively over 200 hours of tutoring will be provided for the approximately 25 young adults living at BCC’s WV programs.

This is the first partnership between BCC and Blue Ridge CTC. Orientation for the 18 Blue Ridge CTC student tutors was held on September 26 at BCC. The student tutors received a tour of the campus and an overview of the therapy and programing offered by BCC.

“It is absolutely wonderful to have tutors coming in to help our youth,” said Jackie Columbia, Director of WV Operations for BCC. “We hope that Blue Ridge CTC will make tutoring at BCC part of the curriculum each year. It’s such a wonderful resource for our youth especially so early in the school year. It really gives them some momentum and confidence heading into the second semester.”

BCC has two program locations in Martinsburg, WV and both serve foster care youth in WV. On the larger campus youth live and go to school on the property. At the group homes youth attend public school during the day. Blue Ridge CTC student tutors will volunteer at both program locations.

The Board of Child Care has a long history of serving children and families in the community. The organization began as three United Methodist orphanages that opened in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which later merged in 1960 to become the Board of Child Care. BCC’s operations expanded from Maryland to West Virginia in 2001.

Today, the Board of Child Care’s $27 million annual budget provides programs to enrich communities, one family at a time. It offers residential, mental health, educational, and therapeutic counseling services across Maryland, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. To see a map of all program locations and descriptions of each BCC program, visit www.boardofchildcare.org.

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PRESS RELEASE: GRADUATIONS 2016

BOARD OF CHILD CARE CELEBRATES THE GRADUATIONS OF 20 STUDENTS AND PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS WITH 4 CEREMONIES SPANNING 3 CAMPUSES.

The following press releases were sent to local newsgathering partners and campuses June 27, 2016. Readers will find graduation information from Baltimore, Strawbridge School, Martinsburg, WV and Denton, MD.

2016 BCC Graduation Releases 2016-07-11

For any additional information, please contact Mr. Kristian Sekse, V.P of Communications, at 443-845-4395 (cell). Additionally, readers can email Board of Child Care’s Communications Dept. at communications@boardofchildcare.org.

About Board of Child Care

Enriching communities, one family at a time, BCC’s $27 million annual budget provides programs across the Mid-Atlantic. Offerings include residential care, treatment foster care, early childhood education, therapeutic counseling, adoption information and referral, and a special education school. Headquartered in Baltimore, BCC operates facilities and group homes throughout Maryland and the Eastern Shore, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

To learn more, visit www.boardofchildcare.org.

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PRESS RELEASE: ELP PROGRAM IN D.C. EARNS NAEYC ACCREDITATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristian Sekse
443-845-4395 (C)
ksekse@boardofchildcare.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 27, 2016 — The Board of Child Care’s Early Learning Program, located in the Southeast (SE) quadrant of Washington, D.C., has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood centers.

This approval follows the Board of Child Care’s certification in February from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and last month’s license for the West Virginia campus in Martinsburg to offer Functional Family Therapy (FFT).

BCC REPORT CARD W MEAN SCORE NAEYCBCC earned outstanding scores within the 10 NAEYC program standards the ELP was judged and evaluated upon. NAEYC awarded BCC 100 percent marks in five categories, 96 percent or better in two other standards, giving BCC a mean score of 95.8!

“NAEYC is the gold standard and recognized nationally for quality early learning programs like ours,” said Cora Jackson, Assistant Program Director of the DC ELP. “It says that our program is a place where all children can learn, grow and thrive, because of our exciting and rich learning environments, nurturing, engaging, and knowledgeable teaching staff, and committed families.”

The NAEYC certificate, conferred June 6, 2016, is valid through July 1, 2021. The certificate is based upon evaluated proficiency in 10 program standards, each group or classroom observed during a site visit, as well as all candidacy and other required criteria. The required criteria include scoring 80 percent or better for each program standard and 70 percent or better for each classroom or group observed.

“What these numbers tell me is we’re very successful at what we do and justifies why we have a waiting list to get into the program in DC,” said Laurie Anne Spagnola, BCC’s President and CEO. “It also means we have some outstanding programming in place to enrich the children and families we serve, and that is most important.”

To earn NAEYC accreditation, the Board of Child Care went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against 10 NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related accreditation criteria. Additionally, NAEYC assessors conducted an on-site visit. NAEYC-accredited programs are also subject to unannounced visits during their five-year accreditation.

In the 25 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high quality early childhood education. NAEYC validates 7,000 programs, or just approximately eight percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs.

About the Board of Child Care

Enriching communities, one family at a time, BCC’s $27 million annual budget provides programs across the Mid-Atlantic. Offerings include residential care, treatment foster care, early childhood education, therapeutic counseling, adoption information and referral, and a special education school. Headquartered in Baltimore, BCC operates facilities and group homes throughout Maryland and the Eastern Shore, WV and D.C.

To learn more, visit www.boardofchildcare.org.

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