The Child Care Commission in collaboration with Lasell College in Newton, recently completed a child care needs assessment for the city of Newton. Students from the "Research Methods in the Social Sciences" course (Fall, 2003) at Lasell College, taught by Professor Tessa LeRoux, Ph.D., developed a survey that was sent to all the child care providers in the city. The survey asked questions regarding type and size of program, numbers of children in care, wait list and financial assistance information. The students then collected the surveys and entered the data into a statistical analysis software program. The results were then compiled and written in a summary report.

Highlights of the assessment:

• 46% of all providers in the city responded to the survey
• Those that responded represent 3,560 children (infants through school age)
• A total of 360 children are on wait lists
• Over half of the providers felt that the need for financial assistance has been increasing over the past few years due to parents losing jobs, single parenthood and the poor economy
• From all reported sources of financial assistance (CDBG, The Child Care Commission, Newton Community Partnerships for Children and the programs own fundraising events), $477,570 has been given out this year
• Typically, financial aid does not meet demonstrable need

Complete copies of the assessment are available at the Child Care Commission office.

On April 15th, our sixth annual "Kidz in Jeopardy" fundraising event was held. This year the event was produced and filmed at NewTV, providing an exciting twist to the evening. Twelve teams competed against each other with the Angier After School Parent Board coming out on top with the team from The Village Bank coming in at second place. The winning team received gift certificates to Whole Foods and the runner up team received gift certificates to Yerardi's Restaurant. Our M.C. for the evening was the illustrious Brooke Lipsitt (former president of the Newton Board of Aldermen) who kept the evening lively and full of humor.

Special thanks go to Tony Mastantuono and Paul Berg of NewTV who worked so hard helping to make this evening such a success, Andy Vizulis and Chris Murphy for their technical support and this years new question and answer writers - Katie Donovan, Child Care Commissioner & her sister, Christine Carvajal for their many hours of work in putting together the game board.

Also, thank you to the following individuals and preschool programs who generously donated to this event: Activity Academy; Auburndale Community Nursery School; Plowshares Child Care Center; Riverside Children's Center; Newton South Children's Center; Temple Reyim Nursery School; Louise & Anthony Tucci; Michael & Ellen Louise Tucci; and the Preschool Experience.

The event will be broadcast on NewTV, the Red Channel, Cable Channel 9 on Sunday, 6/6 @4:30 pm; Tuesday, 6/15 @7:30 pm; Saturday, 6/26 @ 9:30 am and Tuesday, 6/29 @ 7:30 pm.