Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Food Safety Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators Project has completed its third year. Its aim is to increase awareness of foodborne illness and its causes to children and early childhood personnel in order to change behavior among Alabama citizens and prevent foodborne illness. Activities undertaken in year three focused on teaching children about food safety, continuation of early childhood educators food safety training, and teaching parents about food safety and how to impart safe practices to their children. Food Safety Workshops for Early Childhood Educators: During the 2009 to 2012 grant period, 417 total training participants attended 19 training sessions, including four six hour Train the Trainer sessions, two three hour Train the Trainer sessions, and 13 Share the Training sessions. At each session, a training manual and materials were distributed and participants certified to train other adults, thereby disseminating this knowledge to early childhood personnel and parents statewide by means of subsequent Share the Training sessions conducted by certified partners. The project sponsored two annual conference events. On October 15, 2010, the project hosted a statewide Alabama Trainers Conference for partnering agencies and trainers in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Human Resources and Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY, Alabama). Over 225 participants took part in 35 break out sessions on early childhood and parent training related subjects, including one Train the Trainer session. On November 5, 2011, the project sponsored a statewide Alabama Trainers Conference for partnering agencies and trainers with the Federation of Child Care Centers of Alabama (FOCAL). Over 175 participants took part in 10 break out sessions on childhood and parent training-related subjects, including one Train-the-Trainer session. From October 2010 to May 2011, Partnering Agency HIPPY provided Food Safety Segments for Parents to an average of 596 at risk parents in 13 Alabama counties. Food Safety Lessons-for-Kids were conducted by our Trainers in area schools and child care centers. From February 2010 to January 2012, the project provided 270 food safety lessons to 4,727 children in Montgomery, Wetumpka and Decatur, Alabama. In 2012, the project updated its Training Manual & Resource Guide with a practical redesign. The new manual, accompanied by an updated power point training CD and a Food Safety Vignettes DVD., was distributed to over 170 partnering agencies statewide from April to May 2012. Resource Materials: The project provided Resource Library materials on the topic of Food Safety by purchasing high-quality resources and distributing them to partners and participants of the project throughout Alabama. From April to February 2012, the project supplied library installations or materials upon request to partners and recipients statewide including Family Child Care Partnerships, Family Guidance Center, Montgomery Community Action Agency Head Start, First Baptist Church Childrens Learning Center in Montgomery, and Blocks and Tots Daycare in Sylacauga, Alabama. PARTICIPANTS: Five Food Safety trainers worked on the food safety project from September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2012. The project presents a collaboration of Alabama State University and state agencies offices (e.g., State of Alabama Department of Public Health, State of Alabama Department of Childrens Affairs, State of Alabama Department of Human Resources and its Quality Enhancement Agencies), Alabamas Child Care Management Agencies, Alabama Public Schools and Child Care Centers. Through partnership with state agencies, the project staff has direct connections to major groups addressing similar needs, including food safety practices of children, parents and early childhood personnel. This partnership provides opportunities to reach early childhood educators and parents in every area of Alabama. Collaborative efforts help parents, early childhood educators and other interested adults to promote young childrens learning of proper food safety practices. The food safety education experience of the children has been enhanced due to the communitys collaboration (childcare centers, schools, homes, etc.) and involvement in the food safety education of the children. During the 2009-2012 grant period, 19 Train-the-Trainer and Share-the Training sessions were conducted by the project, with 417 training participants. At each training session, training materials were distributed and participants were taught to train others in food safety content, thereby disseminating this knowledge throughout the state. TARGET AUDIENCES: From September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2012, 19 training sessions were conducted with 417 training participants statewide, including partnering agency trainers, early childhood personnel and parents. At each three to six-hour training session, a training manual and materials were distributed and participants were certified to train other adults in food safety content, thereby disseminating this knowledge throughout the state. In October 2010 and November 2011, the project sponsored Annual Trainers Conference events for Alabama trainers in conjunction with the Federation of Child Care Centers of Alabama (FOCAL) and partnering agencies HIPPY, Alabama (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) and DHR (the Alabama Department of Human Resources). Up to 400 Alabama trainers participated in these two events. From October 2010 to May 2011, agency partner HIPPY, Alabama provided Food Safety Segments for Parents to 663 at-risk parents in 14 Alabama counties. During the grant period, project trainers provided 270 Food Safety Lessons-for-Kids to 4,725 children in child care centers and elementary schools in the Montgomery, Wetumpka and Decatur areas. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Project outputs were expanded to include simple training and resource materials designed specifically for parents. Food Safety Segments for Parents were administered by partnering agency HIPPY, Alabama during one-on-one home visits or at monthly parent meetings to the at-risk parents of pre-school youngsters they serve around the state. The project also added an Annual Alabama Trainers Conference for partnering agency trainers of the project in order to provide useful statewide networking and shared training experiences on subjects relevant to early childhood training, including food safety.
Impacts
Food Safety Workshops for Early Childhood Educators: We administered self report assessment instruments to participants before and after each training workshop. These instruments focused on participants perceptions of their knowledge of food safety and of their skills in teaching children about food safety. Analysis of data from those instruments revealed a consistent trend among participants toward more positive perceptions of personal knowledge about food safety and about their instructional skills and readiness to teach food safety concepts following their participation in the workshop. We also assessed participants knowledge about food safety and strategies for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Analysis of gain scores in the areas of food safety knowledge and instructional strategies knowledge revealed significant increases in both areas. There is evidence that the workshops are having their intended impact on participants, increasing their knowledge about food safety, food safety practices, and instructional strategies for teaching food safety concepts. Food Safety Lessons for Kids: We developed an evaluation instrument to measure the usefulness of each food safety lesson, and this evaluation form is completed by an observing teacher after each lesson is taught. Questions on the instrument include: Did the trainer arrive on time (Yes or No), What was the time of arrival, What was the time of departure, How useful was the content of the workshop to you and your students (Very useful; Useful; Not very useful; or Not useful at all), Was the content of the workshop clear (Very clear; Clear; Not very clear; or Not clear at all), Was the content of the workshop organized in a logical fashion (Yes, very much so; Yes, somewhat; or No), How knowledgeable was the trainer about the material presented (Very knowledgeable; Knowledgeable; or Not knowledgeable), How effective was the trainer in encouraging participation of students (Very effective; Effective; Somewhat effective; or Not effective), Would you like this trainer to return to your classroom to teach a different lesson on food safety content (Yes or No). As of this date, 100 percent of the evaluation forms have been returned. Results from the returned evaluation forms indicate that the knowledge disseminated by our trainers is very useful, very clear, and is organized in a logical fashion. Furthermore, our trainers are usually very knowledgeable about the content and are very effective in encouraging the participation of students. All of our trainers have been asked to return to teach additional lessons. For the long term project objective to decrease the food-borne illnesses in Alabama, we have reviewed the Alabama Department of Public Health Annual Report 2011. A review of the Table of Selected Communicable Disease Incidence 2007 through 2011, found that the number of outbreaks among Giardiasis, Camplyobacteriosis, Listeriosis, and Vibriosis decreased from 2009 to 2012. Vibriosis showed the greatest decrease of outbreaks by 55 percent. While cases of Listeriosis decreased by 36 percent. Reported cases of Giardiasis dropped from 204 to 169.
Publications
- In 2012, the project updated its Training Manual & Resource Guide with a practical redesign for easy use by any teacher or trainer. These manuals are accompanied by an updated power point training CD, which was updated at the same time as the manual, and a Food Safety Vignettes DVD. From April to May 2012, the project distributed over 170 of the new manuals to partnering agencies statewide.
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The FSPDECE Project has completed its second year. Its aim is to increase awareness of foodborne illnesses and their causes to children and early childhood personnel in order to change behavior among Alabama citizens and prevent foodborne illnesses from occurring. In year two we have focused on teaching children about food safety, continuing early childhood educators' food safety training, and teaching parents about food safety and how to impart food-safe practices to their children. Food Safety Workshops for Early Childhood Educators: During year two, we conducted eight training sessions, including two six-hour "Train-the-Trainer" sessions and six "Share-the-Training" sessions, for which there were 190 total training participants. At each six-hour Train-the-Trainer session, we distributed a training manual and materials certified participants to train other adults in food safety content. We disseminated this knowledge to early childhood personnel and parents throughout the state by means of subsequent Share-the-Training sessions conducted by certified partners. On October 15, 2010, the project hosted a statewide "Alabama Trainers' Conference" for partnering agencies and trainers. Over 225 conference participants took part in 35 break-out sessions on subjects relevant to early childhood and parent training, including one Train-the-Trainer session. From October 2010 to May 2011, Partnering Agency HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Pre School Youngsters) provided "Food Safety Segments for Parents" to 663 at-risk parents in 14 Alabama counties. Food Safety Lessons-for-Kids were conducted by Food Safety Trainers beginning February 2010. From September 1, 2010 to August 31, 2011, 156 these food safety lessons were taught to 2,995 children. Resource Libraries: The project installed Resource Library materials on the topic of food safety by purchasing high-quality resources and distributing them to partners and participants of the project throughout Alabama. Five recipients were equipped with materials, including Clifford Visits the Hospital, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and one Food-Safe School Action Team Kit, one pack of food safety posters, one Glo Germ Kit, and one food safety DVD. PARTICIPANTS: The following ood safety trainers worked on the food safety project: Angela Barnes, Stephanie Carter, Judy Davidson, Tillie Jones, Barbara Rogers, Tocarro Sturdivant, Rose Winkler and Bess Zeigler. The project represents a collaboration of Alabama State University and state agencies offices (e.g., State of Alabama Department of Public Health, State of Alabama Department of Children's Affairs, State of Alabama Department of Human Resources and its Quality Enhancement Agencies), Alabama's Child Care Management Agencies, Ball State University, Alabama Public Schools and Child Care Centers. Through partnership with state agencies, the project staff has direct connections to major groups addressing similar needs, including food safety practices of children, parents and early childhood personnel. This partnership provides opportunities to reach early childhood educators and parents in every area of Alabama. Collaborative efforts help parents, early childhood educators and other interested adults promote young children's learning of proper food safety practices. The food safety education experience of the children has been enhanced due to the community's collaboration (childcare centers, schools, homes, etc.) and involvement in the food safety education of the children. TARGET AUDIENCES: During year two, we conducted eight training sessions with 190 participants. At each six-hour training session, a training manual and materials were distributed and participants were certified to train other adults in food safety content, thereby disseminating this knowledge throughout the state. On October 15, 2010, the project hosted a statewide "Alabama Trainers' Conference" for over 225 conference participants. The partnering agency trainers and educators took part in 35 break-out sessions on subjects relevant to early childhood and parent training, including one Train-the-Trainer session. From October 2010 to May 2011, Partnering Agency HIPPY, Alabama provided "Food Safety Segments for Parents" to 663 at-risk parents in 14 Alabama counties. From September 1, 2010 to August 31, 2011, trainers provide 156 Food Safety Lessons-for-Kids to 2,995 children in child care centers and elementary schools in the Montgomery area. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Food Safety Workshops for Early Childhood Educators: We administered self-report assessment instruments to participants before and after each training workshop. These instruments focused on participants' perceptions of their knowledge of food safety and of their skills in teaching children about food safety. Analysis of data from those instruments revealed a consistent trend among participants toward more positive perceptions of personal knowledge about food safety and about their instructional skills and readiness to teach food safety concepts following their participation in the workshop. We also assessed participants' knowledge about food safety and strategies for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Analysis of gain scores in the areas of food safety knowledge and instructional strategies knowledge revealed significant increases in both areas. There is evidence that the workshops are having their intended impact on participants, increasing their knowledge about food safety, food safety practices, and instructional strategies for teaching food safety concepts. Food Safety Lessons for Kids: We developed an evaluation instrument to measure the usefulness of each food safety lesson, and this evaluation form is completed by an observing teacher after each lesson is taught. Questions on the instrument include: Did the trainer arrive on time (Yes or No), What was the time of arrival, What was the time of departure, How useful was the content of the workshop to you and your students (Very useful; Useful; Not very useful; or Not useful at all), Was the content of the workshop clear (Very clear; Clear; Not very clear; or Not clear at all), Was the content of the workshop organized in a logical fashion (Yes, very much so; Yes, somewhat; or No), How knowledgeable was the trainer about the material presented (Very knowledgeable; Knowledgeable; or Not knowledgeable), How effective was the trainer in encouraging participation of students (Very effective; Effective; Somewhat effective; or Not effective), Would you like this trainer to return to your classroom to teach a different lesson on food safety content (Yes or No). As of this date, 100% of the evaluation forms have been returned. Results from the returned evaluation forms indicate that the knowledge disseminated by our trainers is very useful, very clear, and is organized in a logical fashion. Furthermore, our trainers are usually very knowledgeable about the content and are very effective in encouraging the participation of students. All of our trainers have been asked to return to teach additional lessons.
Publications
- The Training Manual was updated in 2011 and will be reprinted.
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Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The USDA Food Safety Project at Alabama State University has provided the following outputs since 09/01/2009: 1. Train-the-Trainer Workshops 2. Lessons-for-Kids 3. Resource Libraries Additional Training Sessions- Several recipients of the 02/27/2010 training (four trainers from one partnering DHR Quality Contractor and two childcare teams of three) shared their training with another 120 persons, providing Food Safety Content during their own training sessions 1. Mini-grant recipients 2. Partnering Agencies Planning- The USDA Food Safety Project at ASU is holding an "Alabama Trainer's Conference" from 10/13/2010 to 10/15/2010 at the Renaissance Suites Hotel and Conference Center. The Project has worked cooperatively with partnering agencies, HIPPY Alabama and DHR, to provide content for this event. Several planning sessions have been held. The purpose of the Trainer's Conference is to provide networking and professional development on relevant training topics to benefit DHR Quality Contractors and other Alabama trainers who partner with this project to provide Food Safety content and training. During this conference, Project Parent Specialist Dr. Tina Vazin will provide a session on 10/13/10 to train HIPPY Monthly Meeting Coordinators on how to use content recently developed by the Food Safety Project at ASU for participating parents of this partnering agency. On 10/14/10, Dr. Vazin will provide a workshop on (Parent) Learning Styles for the conference's participating trainers. A six-hour "Train-the-Trainer Session" is also scheduled during the conference on 10/15/2010. The Food Safety Project added a parent education component to the list of outputs provided by the project. To accomplish this, the Project has partnered with HIPPY, Alabama (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) to cooperate in disseminating food safety content for parents of pre-school children. The Project has selected critical content from its "Food Safety Development for Early Childhood Educators Participant Book and Resource Guide" in creating Food Safety content for HIPPY's participating parents. HIPPY's 115 Parent Educators and 27 Coordinators around the state will cooperate with the Food Safety Project at ASU to provide 10-15 minute "Food Safety Segments" for the "at-risk" families that HIPPY serves. These mini food safety lessons will be provided once each month at HIPPY Monthly Parent Meetings around the state. HIPPY serves approximately 1,530 Alabama families and 1,579 children in 27 counties. The Project plans for the parents' "Food Safety Segments" to become available at HIPPY monthly parent meetings following the Trainer's Conference in October of the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Also scheduled: The project currently has 60 Lessons-for-Kids scheduled at three Montgomery schools, beginning October 4, 2010. Approximately 1,100 area children are projected to be served by November 10, 2010. Additionally, a "Train-the-Trainer" session is scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Family Guidance Center. PARTICIPANTS: There are 44 child care centers and 13 agencies partnering with Alabama State University FOOD SAFETY project. List of Agencies and Contacts who signed Partnership Agreements as follow: 1. Child Care Central-Talladega, Kelly Mumper, (256)362-1390 kelly.mumper@dhr.alabama.gov. 2. Child Development Resources-Tuscaloosa, Valerie Thorington, Training Coordinator, Sally Edwards, Director, (205)348-4279 or 2678 (or 2230, asstnt.) vthoring@ches.ua.edu sedwards@ches.ua.edu. 3. Childcare Education Resources, Angela Kimbrel, (256)764-9232 cerark1@aol.com. 4. Childcare Resources-B'ham. Alissa Bittner Simpson, (205)795-2335 or 252-1991 abittner@ccr-bhm.org. 5. Childcare Resource Center, Carolyn Tucker-Simmons, Belinda Paul, (334)749-8400 belinda.paul@ccrc-alabama.org. 6. Childcare Resource Network-Fort Payne, Mary Davis, Exec. Director Judy Davidson, Training, (256)845-8238 judydavidson.crn@hotmail.com. 7. Family Child Care Partnerships, Dr. Elaine Miller, (334)844-3244 or 3208, milleeb@auburn.edu, 109 M. White Smith Hall; Auburn, AL 36849 8. Family Guidance Center-Montgomery, Rose Winkler, (334)270-4100, ext.237, rose.winkler@dhr.alabama.gov. 9. Family Guidance Ctr. Of AL, Rose Winkler/Lori Gilley, (334)712-7777. 10. GRCMA Early Childhood Directions, Wendy McEarchern, (251)473-1060, wmcearchern@grcma.org. 11. Healthy Childcare Alabama (an ADPH Program), Dawn Ellis, (334)206-2965, slemay@adph.state.al.us. 12. Northwest-Shoals Community College, Child Development Centers, Diane Pace,Director/Instructor Child Development Ctrs. (256)331-5352 pace@nwscc.edu. 13. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Joanne Shum HIPPY Alabama Director, 334-265-2364, 1-866-200-8038, joanneshum@hippyalabama.com. The USDA Food Safety Project at ASU - Project Facilitators Barnes, Angela 625 Silver Moon Court Montgomery, AL 36117 Tel. (334) 396-5366 (wk.)241-2664 Email: angelarbarnes@yahoo.com Carter, Stephanie 6029 Cherry Hill Rd. Montgomery, AL 36116 Tel. (334) 834-6276/(344)399-8737 Email:stephanieccarter@hotmail.com Davidson, Judy (use work address) Childcare Resource Network P.O. Box 681025; Ft. Payne, AL 35968-1611 - for UPS or Fed. Ex use: 659-A Wallace Ave.; Ft. Payne 35967 Tel. (256) 845-2023 or 8238 Email:Judith_davidson@bellsouth.net Jones, Tillie 486 Selma Hwy. Prattville, AL 36092 Tel. (334) 358-0316 Email:tillie@cfaith.com Rogers, Barbara Booker 3333 Royal Carriage Drive Montgomery, AL 36116 Tel. (334) 273-0804/300-5071 Email:barbisholy@yahoo.com Sturdivant, Tocarro 2316 Almon Way S.W. Decatur, AL 35603 Tel. (334) 657-9184 Ziegler, Bess 254 Woodledge Place Montgomery, AL 36109 Tel. (334) 271-3765 Email:ministerbess@yahoo.com TARGET AUDIENCES: We partner with 13 Alabama agencies, including DHR quality contractors, all who have agreed to send their trainers to Food Safety "Train-the-Trainer" workshops and share their training in-house or with their clientlele, including the parents, children and communities that they serve. The project partners with 44 Alabama Licensed Childcare providers to make "Food Safety Development for Early Childhood Educators/Train-the-Trainer sessions available. Area schools and Head Start Centers receive food safety content in the form of "Lessons-for-Kids." These 30-minute workshops are available for pre-K through grade 3 children upon request. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There is no major change of scope of project.
Impacts
The USDA Food Safety Project at Alabama State University has produced the following outcomes since 09/01/2009: Train-the-Trainer Workshops- Since 01/01/2010, the Project has conducted one six-hour Train-the-Trainer session at Family Guidance Center in Montgomery, AL on 02/27/2010. Partnering DHR Quality Contractors and early childhood teams from around Alabama received training and 44 persons were attained. Lessons-for-Kids- Since 01/01/2010, the Project provided 13 free, thirty-minute mini food safety workshops at pre-schools in Montgomery, Wetumpka and Decatur, Alabama, serving 185 area children. Resource Libraries- The project provided materials for a Resource Library installation for partnering agency, "Family Childcare Partnerships." The Project supplied this new project partner the following items: Two Glow Germ Kits and a four-count package of glitter for activities; Food Safe School Action team Kit; one VHS copy of Food Safety Vignettes; two DVD copies of Food Safety, Learning Seed and Tip top tots, Nutrition pyramid for Preschoolers; one copy of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears;" one DVD copy of Spoiled Rotten; a packet of Food Safety posters and one tablet of Food Safety flyers demonstrating proper hand washing technique. Additional Training Sessions- Several recipients of the 02/27/2010 training (four trainers from one partnering DHR Quality Contractor and two childcare teams of three) shared their training with another 120 persons, providing Food Safety Content during their own training sessions as follows: 1. Mini-grant recipients- Two Food Safety-Certified teams of mini-grant recipients provided in-house trainings to the personnel at their childcare facilities. A. "Sherri's Kids" in Lynn, Alabama provided a two-hour training session for 10 of its pre-school staff on 03/16/10. B. "Kid's First" in Anniston, Alabama provided 10 hours of training for 26 of their pre-school staff (including two of their kitchen staff), beginning 05/12/10. They held mini, two-hour training sessions over several days. 2. Partnering Agencies- Project Partner "Family Child Care Partnerships" (FCCP) conducted four abbreviated training sessions as follows: March 25/10 - FCCP Trainer Kristi Miller provided training upon request for a group of licensed home care providers from Talladega, Clay and Randolph counties. Twenty-three providers received two hours of training from the Adult-Appropriate Content of the Food Safety Training Module. August 28/10 - FCCP Trainer Barbara Wright provided two hours of training on the subject "Protect Your Center, Classroom, & Home from Contaminants that Could Harm You" for 36 staff and child care providers at the Legacy YMCA in Bessemer, AL. September 11/10 - FCCP Trainer Angela Connelly provided two hours of food safety training to providers, child care givers and cooks at Dumas Wesley Community Center in Mobile, AL. Nineteen persons received this training. September 16/10 - FCCP Trainer Sylvia Spratling provided two hours of food safety training for six of the childcare providers at Sardis Baptist Church in Dadeville, AL.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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