The Care Counts™ Laundry Program, a Whirlpool brand initiative, has been making significant strides in improving school attendance across the United States for eight years. Impacting 144 schools in 37 states, this program provides washers and dryers to schools, directly addressing a key barrier to consistent attendance: access to clean clothes. If your school is seeking innovative solutions to combat absenteeism and support student well-being, understanding how to apply for the Care Counts Laundry Program is crucial. This article will guide you through the program’s impact, benefits, and how your school can potentially become a participant.
Understanding the Impact of the Care Counts Laundry Program
Chronic absenteeism remains a significant challenge for schools nationwide, particularly exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates a widespread increase in chronic absenteeism across public schools. The Care Counts program directly tackles this issue by recognizing that for some students, lack of access to clean clothes is a major impediment to attending school regularly.
By providing washers and dryers, the program removes this barrier, fostering a sense of dignity and readiness to learn among students. The results speak for themselves. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the Care Counts program demonstrated remarkable outcomes:
- Attendance Increase: Nearly 70% of high-risk elementary school students participating in the program experienced an increase in their attendance rates.
- Reduced Absences: Participating students attended school an average of 12 more days compared to the previous year.
- Decreased Chronic Absenteeism: Almost 60% of high-risk students reduced their level of chronic absenteeism, and an impressive 30% were no longer at risk by the end of the school year.
- Improved School Connection: Teachers reported that 84% of participating high-risk elementary school students felt more connected to their school.
These statistics underscore the profound impact of the Care Counts Laundry Program, not just on attendance rates, but also on students’ overall engagement and well-being. The program’s success is a testament to the simple yet powerful idea that clean clothes can significantly influence a child’s ability to thrive in school.
Benefits of Bringing the Care Counts Laundry Program to Your School
Participating in the Care Counts Laundry Program offers numerous advantages for schools committed to supporting their students and improving the school environment. Beyond the compelling statistics, the program provides:
- Directly Addresses Absenteeism: By providing on-site laundry facilities, the program directly removes a tangible barrier to attendance for students who may lack consistent access to clean clothes at home.
- Promotes Student Well-being: Clean clothes contribute to a student’s sense of self-esteem and confidence, creating a more positive and welcoming learning environment. Students are better able to focus on their education when they feel comfortable and prepared.
- Enhances School Engagement: As evidenced by teacher reports, the program fosters a greater sense of connection to school among participating students. This increased engagement can lead to improved academic performance and a more positive school culture.
- Community Partnership: The Care Counts program, supported by Whirlpool brand and collaborators like Teach For America, offers schools a valuable partnership, providing not just equipment but also a connection to a broader network committed to educational equity.
- Data-Driven Results: The program emphasizes data collection and analysis, allowing schools to track the impact of the laundry program on their students and contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting this intervention.
Principal Krishna Barroso from AVON Avenue School in Newark, NJ, aptly summarizes the program’s essence: “The impact of the washer and dryer is truly incredible. These two simple machines that most people take for granted provide essential access to clean clothes, which builds pride, confidence, and improves attendance for our students.”
How to Apply for the Care Counts Laundry Program: A Step-by-Step Guide
While the original article doesn’t explicitly detail the application process, understanding the general steps involved in such programs can help schools prepare and express their interest effectively. Here’s a guide based on common practices for similar initiatives:
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Express Interest and Gather Information: The first step is to visit the official Care Counts Laundry Program website (www.whirlpool.com/care-counts). Look for a dedicated section on program application or contact information. Express your school’s interest in participating and inquire about the application process. There may be a contact form or email address provided for inquiries.
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Review Eligibility Criteria (If Available): While not explicitly stated in the provided article, Care Counts likely targets schools with a demonstrated need, potentially prioritizing schools with high rates of absenteeism or those serving low-income communities. Look for any published eligibility criteria on the website or inquire directly during your initial contact. Schools that can demonstrate a clear need and potential impact are likely to be strong candidates.
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Prepare School Data and Needs Assessment: Be prepared to provide data that supports your school’s need for the program. This may include:
- Absenteeism Rates: Document your school’s current absenteeism rates, particularly chronic absenteeism. Highlight any trends or increases.
- Student Demographics: Provide information about your student population, including the percentage of students from low-income households or those facing socioeconomic challenges.
- Existing Support Programs: Outline any current programs or initiatives your school has in place to support student well-being and attendance. Explain how the Care Counts program would complement these efforts.
- School Infrastructure: Assess the feasibility of installing washers and dryers at your school. Consider available space, plumbing, and electrical requirements.
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Develop a Program Plan: Think about how the Care Counts program would be implemented at your school. Consider:
- Location: Where would the laundry machines be located?
- Program Management: Who would be responsible for overseeing the program, including scheduling, maintenance, and communication with students and families?
- Student Access: How would students access the laundry facilities in a discreet and supportive manner?
- Sustainability: How will the program be sustained long-term, including ongoing maintenance and supplies?
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Submit Application (When Available): Once you have gathered the necessary information and developed a preliminary program plan, follow the application instructions provided on the Care Counts website or by program representatives. Ensure you complete all required sections of the application thoroughly and provide clear and compelling information about your school’s need and commitment to the program’s success.
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Follow Up and Communicate: After submitting your application, follow up with the program contacts to confirm receipt and inquire about the review timeline. Maintain open communication and be responsive to any requests for additional information.
Tips for a Strong Application
To increase your school’s chances of being selected for the Care Counts Laundry Program, consider these tips:
- Demonstrate Clear Need: Present compelling data and narratives that illustrate the need for the program at your school and the positive impact it would have on your students.
- Highlight School Commitment: Showcase your school’s commitment to student well-being and attendance improvement. Explain how the Care Counts program aligns with your school’s overall mission and goals.
- Outline a Sustainable Plan: Present a realistic and sustainable plan for implementing and managing the program effectively over the long term.
- Emphasize Community Support: If possible, highlight any community support for the program, such as partnerships with local organizations or volunteer involvement.
- Tell Your School’s Story: Share compelling stories or anecdotes that illustrate the challenges your students face and how access to clean clothes could make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Conclusion: Investing in Students Through Clean Clothes
The Care Counts Laundry Program represents a powerful and practical approach to addressing student absenteeism and promoting educational equity. By providing access to clean clothes, the program removes a significant barrier to school attendance and fosters a more supportive and engaging learning environment. If your school is dedicated to improving student outcomes and tackling absenteeism head-on, exploring how to apply for the Care Counts Laundry Program is a worthwhile endeavor. Visit www.whirlpool.com/care-counts today to learn more and take the first step towards bringing this impactful program to your school community.
