MISSISSIPPI STATE -- People who provide child care in their homes can learn how to improve their business and provide a higher quality environment for the children through a free, educational program entering its second year in the state.

Mississippi State University's Extension Service offers the Nurturing Homes Initiative for family home child-care providers in Mississippi. The Mississippi Department of Human Services' Office for Children and Youth funds the project.

Family child-care providers will receive free library books for enrolling in the pilot program. During the project, participants receive home-learning packets with simple lesson plans including developmentally appropriate teaching methods on various child development topics. Program representatives provide suggestions for health and safety, nutrition, money management and administration. Additional technical assistance and the hardware for in-home web-TV training will be provided.

For more information on the Nurturing Homes Initiative, contact county Extension home economists or Angel Fason, NHI project director with MSU's Extension Service, at (662) 325-3083.

For more information, contact: Angel Fason, (662) 325-3083