Between the time from birth to age three, a child’s brain undergoes an incredible period of development. The brain’s development is impacted by factors such as environment, relationships and experiences and early educators play an important part in this growth. From birth to age five is a very important time for the brain, language and reasoning skills. Blueprints and United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania are collaborating with Jefferson-Morgan school district since 2007 for a Pre-K program that actively stimulates brain development. The program acclimates children to school, as well as providing parents with assistance.
According to the United Way, a recent study conducted by www.care.com found that a third of American families spend 20% of their income on childcare. Five out of six children eligible for federal child care assistance do not receive it mostly due to lack of funding. Rather than leaving children with a babysitter, Pre-K provides a safe, educational environment and promotes brain stimulation. United Way continues working with partners to fight for early care and education.
In previous years, a United Way transition grant was given for around $2,000 to help with materials and transition activities. This year, the United Way-Benedum grant foundation awarded Jefferson-Morgan $10,000. This grant was a huge blessing, as COVID-19 has had a continuing impact on the school year. The grant funds summer engagement activities for students transitioning to kindergarten and provides an extended learning program for these students for three weeks over the summer, including materials and teacher pay.
Kevin McCarty, the Jefferson-Morgan Early Childhood Coordinator, is a key part of the process. He champions early childhood education, and he established the needed relationships with local agencies to support the program. Kevin shared that the J-M district currently serves around 60% of the district’s four-year old population. The other 40% consists of parents who choose to send their children to a different Pre-K or not to enroll their children in a Pre-K program. The quality of the Pre-K program cannot be overstated as it does much to help a child’s brain development and acclimation to school in general.
This school year marks a significant event for the program. This year marks the high school graduation of the first class of students to cycle through the Pre-K program. How exciting to see students on their educational path from Pre-K to high school graduation.
Most years, an Early Childhood Fair is held for potential Pre-K students. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a vote was taken and there will not be an Early Childhood Fair held this year. For parents interested in enrolling their children in the Pre-K program at Jefferson-Morgan, information can be found online at www.jmsd.org and the Jefferson-Morgan School District’s Facebook page. Kindergarten parents will be able to make an appointment to see the school and to do complete kindergarten screenings sometime during May.