A Program Development Coordinator works with all DEPC funded programs to ensure that the services they provide are of high quality, meet the needs of children and families, use evidence-based and family support best practices and adhere to the DEPC vision, mission and goals. The Coordinator acts as a networking link between the programs to promote coordination of services, including facilitation of a quarterly Program Operations meeting. This meeting provides a regularly scheduled time for information sharing, training and team building. Many programs are provided by DEPC staff. Others are funded in agencies and organizations serving Edgecombe and Nash counties. All funded programs must go through an annual re-bid and program approval process managed by Program Development.

Working with the Evaluation Coordinator and the DEPC Contracts Manager, the Program Development Coordinator monitors all funded programs annually. This monitoring ensures that each program is providing the services outlined in their contract with DEPC and is fiscally responsible.

The Evaluation Coordinator oversees the DEPC evaluation process including the development and assessment of program outputs and outcomes, DEPC long-term milestones and indicators, and North Carolina PBIS (Performance Based Incentive System) standards. This process includes an ongoing review of the DEPC Strategic Plan to ensure that DEPC is moving toward its long term vision, mission and goals. The Evaluation Coordinator collects and reviews quarterly and yearly program information and data and provides evaluation reports to funders, the DEPC Board and the community. The Coordinator also provides evaluation training and technical assistance for funded programs as needed.

In addition, the Evaluation Coordinator oversees the evaluation of special initiatives such as SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids), a five year grant awarded to DEPC in 2003 by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. SPARK was designed to develop and implement strategies to ensure that all children are ready to enter school and have a successful experience. SPARK focused on readiness as a shared responsibility among families, schools and communities. The SPARK evaluation included tracking children's developmental growth through grade two.

New Programs

R&E also manages the research, design and implementation of new programs based on DEPC and community needs and funding resources.

In 2007, as a result of the SPARK grant, R&E implemented a Ready Schools Initiative. This Initiative supports and encourages local schools to move toward becoming model ready elementary schools--- ready to meet the needs of all children in order to successfully launch them as learners by the end of third grade. Ready Schools builds on the foundation of a coordinated, quality early childhood education system and a successful transition into school. A key component of this initiative is the Ready School Innovations Award grant process.

In 2008 R&E worked with a design team of staff and community members to identify strategies and create a plan to support the healthy development of children from birth to age 8. This work resulted in a Healthy Kids Collaborative. The focus of this community collaborative is to reduce childhood obesity by impacting the eating and physical activity habits of children, ages 2 - 4. DEPC is seeking funding to support strategies identified by the Collaborative, which include NAPSACC, an evidence-based program to encourage child care facilities to provide healthy food and opportunities for physical activity and a social marketing campaign to build family, child care and community support for healthy lifestyles.

For more information, contact Jessica Jones, Research & Evaluation Director, (252) 985-4300, x-240 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .