An estimated 75 foster grandparents (FGS) will participate in ST

Louis foster grandparent program managed by cardinal ritter senior services (crss). Of these, 72 FG volunteers will be placed in outcome producing assignments serving children from socioeconomically disadvantaged families who experience social/emotional or educational challenges and take part in cncs-supported early childhood education programs. Under the direction of classroom teachers, volunteers will provide direct service to students who have demonstrated special or exceptional needs. FGP volunteers will serve at 24 volunteer stations located throughout the city of ST. Louis and ST. Louis county. Volunteer stations include head start and community early childhood education programs serving preschool-aged children. The primary focus area of this project is education, within the objective of school readiness. At the end of the grant period, 200 preschool students served at these 24 volunteer stations will show gains in school readiness after receiving social and emotional support from FG volunteers. An additional three FGP volunteers will serve children 0-5 years of age from socioeconomically disadvantaged families who participate in the transitional housing childcare program at ST. Louis crisis nursery. The ST. Louis crisis nursery provides a safe haven for children who require temporary housing away from their primary home and family due to an emergency situation. The primary focus area of this project is education, within the objective of school readiness. At the end of the grant period, 20 preschool-aged students served at this volunteer station will show gains in school readiness after receiving social and emotional support from the FG volunteers. The ST. Louis foster grandparent program anticipates federal funding in the amount of $342,433 and will provide non-federal funding estimated at $126,344.