August Message from Deb
What a moment to be a part of PIC!
Really, what a moment to be a part of PIC! Our Board of Directors is committed to expanding enrollment with the goal of welcoming families of varying socioeconomic levels. Our friends and funders are supporting efforts to give more young children high quality experiences.
Our teachers are earning degrees and professionalizing the field. And, each day they encourage our children to play, discover, and explore!
After 38 years in the field, leaders at all levels of government are talking about early learning!
This week I had the opportunity to host U.S. Representative Dwight Evans for a visit to PIC. We visited several PIC classrooms and our nature playground. I was proud to tell Rep. Evans about PIC’s commitment to diversity and moving more children off of our waiting list.
Our last stop was the newly created Hummingbirds preschool classroom, where children gathered to listen to Representative Evans read one of our favorites, The I LOVE YOU Book, by Todd Parr. I stood back and watched the congressman reach out to our children through words and with hugs.
For politicians truly dedicated to doing good work in Washington, it must be a relief to return home and spend time with their constituents. I could see that Rep. Evans truly enjoyed visiting with the children. I am quite certain that he sees little “fun” in DC these days.
It was wonderful to hear Rep. Evans finish my sentences when I spoke of the importance of high quality early childhood programs, and how such experiences change the trajectory of children’s lives. He spoke several times of PIC being a “model” that should be replicated. He got it!
The power of advocacy can never be understated.
We must continue to speak about the necessity of high-quality programs, of children learning through play, and having hands-on experiences. We must emphasize the benefits of teacher education and increased salaries. And we must provide this for ALL children.
These messages are finally beginning to be heard and understood, but we cannot stop. I hope you will help me keep them going!
As always, thank you for entrusting your children in our care.