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about
the initiative
Champion of Children is a community
funding initiative that makes quality early learning
programs available to children in lower income working
families throughout Franklin County so that more children
start school ready to learn and have the opportunity
for school success. The initiative also serves as a community
voice, educator, and advocate for kindergarten readiness.
Children
from birth through age 5, whose families fall in the
gap between those receiving public child care assistance
and those who are economically self-sufficient, can currently
choose among 30 nationally accredited early learning
centers in Franklin County that participate in Champion
of Children. The sliding scale funding model used by
Champion of Children parallels the economic need of families
and is an effective funding strategy, completing the
continuum of educational support for Franklin County
families until they reach self-sufficiency.
Extensive national research demonstrates that quality early learning is critical
to kindergarten readiness, school success, and lifelong achievement. Researchers
further document the many proven benefits quality early learning has on the
economic and social fabric of communities. Champion of Children is a partnership
between Franklin County Board of Commissioners and Columbus Montessori Education
Center, and receives strong support from corporations, foundations, and individuals
throughout the community.
American
Electric Power is the 2009 Presenting Sponsor for the
16th annual Champion of Children Award Event on February
3, 2009.
Eighty-five
percent of a child’s capacity for learning is
determined before age 5, yet 95% of our public investment
in education occurs after age 5.
Many
poor children today begin their educational journey
already behind and,once behind, few catch up without
significant interventions in place, according to The
Annie E. Casey Foundation.
For
information about how to support early learning and care
through this initiative, please contact Staci Collier,
Champion of Children Event Coordinator, scollier@columbusmontessori.org or
call 614.231.3790, ext 22.
For
information on enrollment, please contact any of the
participating centers.
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