PROJECT DIABETES
SCEA music and dance educators Susanne Burgess and Mary LaBianca are collaborating with Chattanooga partners to evolve awareness and prevention of childhood diabetes through music, movement, and literacy in twelve area preschool centers. Through funds provided from the Tennessee Department of Health, SCEA has partnered with United Way, the Creative Discovery Museum, the YMCA, and United Way’s Center for Nonprofits in this endeavor.
Starting in January 2011, six monthly workshops will guide teachers through music and movement activities and teaching strategies that promote active approaches to early childhood education. During the grant period teachers will:
• build knowledge and skills in music and dance education
• be introduced to instructional strategies integrating active engagement through music, dance, and literacy
• gain exposure to and familiarity with developmentally appropriate music and dance materials suitable for preschool children
The grant has generously provided each site with support materials such as CDs, storybooks, pedagogical resource books, and props for classroom use. In addition to monthly professional development workshops, onsite coaching will be provided by SCEA mentors to model the effective use of these materials with children.
Participating child care programs include:
• ABC Child Care
• Chattanooga Human Services Child Care
• Children’s Academy for Education and Learning
• Children’s Home/Chambliss Shelter
• Little Miss Mag Child Care Center
• Maurice Kirby Child Care Center
• Newton Child Development Center
• Pro Re Bona Child Care Center
• Signal Centers
• Volunteer Child Care Center
• YMCA Downtown Child Care Center
• YMCA Henry Child Care Center
