Message from the CEO

 

Dear Provider,

As we enter the holiday season we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to help you serve Orange County’s youngest children. We know that a child’s brain development starts well before they ever enter an early learning classroom. Children come into this world hungry to learn. They quickly learn the difference between mom’s voice and a stranger’s; cry out when hungry, wet or frightened; and understand that mobility means adventure. We appreciate your dedication to the field of early childhood education and we work hard to make sure those little ones are given the best early education possible.

 

Earlier this month, as a show of our gratitude and support for professional development, we provided more than 130 providers with scholarships to attend the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Annual Conference (NAEYC) held here in Orlando. Providers attended sessions such as Toddlers problems or problem-solving opportunities?; Scientist in training: Hands-on science enrichment for 2-year-olds; Challenging behavior-What is it? Why does it happen? What can I do about it? Will it ever go away? and Encouragement and praise for adults and children: Where are you on the “Good Job” continuum?

 

Our thanks to the Foundations® Children’s Products for their generous donation of seven CSPS-complaint cribs worth more than $3,200. Those cribs were given to area child care providers who attended NAEYC, both centers and family child care homes, in the most economically challenged communities in Orange County. As our early learning community continues to switch to compliant cribs, this donation will assist providers who offer infant care continue providing this vital service to families in our community. The providers who have received cribs have been thrilled, as this will allow them to direct their limited dollars into direct care services for children.

 

As always, I am available to answer questions or address concerns. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season.

 

                                                              Tasha Afolorunsho, director of Precious Moments

 

Sincerely,

 

Karen Willis CEO Early Learning Coalition of Orange County