Springfield schools reached out to United Way with a plan to start both a preschool and kindergarten bootcamp, designed to allow parents to register their students for the following school year, provide access to necessary screenings, give tours, discuss key skills students should master before school, and collectively get students and families excited about school.
“As we lay the foundation for our students’ futures, it is imperative that we recognize the crucial role of early education in the lives of our youngest learners and their families,” said Pam Shay, the district’s Federal Programs Director.
“By introducing 3 and 4-year-olds to essential skills needed for school, we not only prepare them for academic success but also nurture their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Investing in early childhood education is investing in the future of our community, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.”
The district was also able to offer additional summer programming with the funding called Kiddy Kamp for pre-school children, which was designed to engage the kids with educational play and take-home activities.
“Between the Kiddy Camp and the Kindergarten Bootcamp, nearly 250 children were provided with enriching educational experiences,” Shay said. “Our teams are already planning to expand both these programs for next summer based on the high demand we’ve seen in our community.”
The funds also helped the Kindergarten Readiness Camp at the Champaign Family YMCA, Summer Pre-school and Kindergarten Readiness Programs at the New Carlisle Public Library, the St. Paris Library and other programs at the Madison-Champaign ESC, the Madison County Department of Family & Children, and the London City Library.
The United Way, in collaboration with a collective of other Central Ohio United Ways, earned state budget funding through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce totaling nearly $200,000 annually for two years to fund the programming.
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