The Vogel Alcove serves a broad segment of the homeless population in Dallas by providing free childcare for young children living in area homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and transitional housing programs. In a warm, nurturing environment, the Alcove welcomes up to 113 homeless children each day, six weeks to six years old, without regard to race, ethnicity or religion. Licensed by the State of Texas, the center operates year-round, Monday-Friday. The following are childcare services provided at no cost to the families or referring shelters:
Early childhood education, licensed by the State of Texas
High staff-to-child ratio
A child-centered environment
Age-appropriate and culturally sensitive curriculum
Basic needs such as two meals and a snack, milk, infant formula, diapers, childcare supplies, and warm clothing
Access to well-child check-ups, immunizations, and vision and hearing screenings provided in conjunction with the Homeless Outreach Medical Services (HOMES) mobile van of Parkland Hospital
On-site nurse to check for illness, and educate and consult with parents
Ancillary childcare programs include:
Stepping Stones – provides short-term childcare to enrolled families upon their initial re-entry in the community in order to create stability. This is offered on a case-by-case basis for up to a year.
Extensions –provides free vouchers for a child to attend a childcare center in their area when distance (lack of transportation options) or safety (domestic violence situations) keeps the child from attending the Alcove.
Connections & Support – tracks families during their transition out of homelessness and links them to available community resources.
