In case you missed our letter to the editor in the July 28th edition of the Park Record, it is posted below for convenience.
Research shows that early childhood education provides an enormous return on investment for communities. As the Early Childhood Alliance Coordinator, parent of three PCSD students, and a member of the Building Bridges Task Force, I have seen firsthand the commitment of PCSD to expanding opportunities for our younger children.
The first few years of childhood are critical years for education, whether children are in preschool or cared for in a family setting. PCSD’s facilities plan includes an expansion of access to preschool to help prepare younger children for future success as PCSD students and beyond. Facilities improvements will provide the space to offer additional preschool and an expansion of wrap-around services at two of the elementary schools. A cross-sector family support hub helps families connect with needed services and tackle bureaucratic challenges, and would add considerable value to our community.
Preserving parental choice is important. For children who are not in a preschool setting, the Early Childhood Alliance is working with PCSD and Park City Preschool directors to pilot a program offering free training to their caregivers, such as their family members, friends or neighbors. PCSD will provide caregivers with an age-appropriate curriculum to support children’s development and growth while in their care. The Early Childhood Alliance also supports: (1) home visiting programs to help parents be their child’s first and best teacher, (2) affordable, high-quality private childcare opportunities, and (3) free books mailed each month to children under age five as part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. There are so many impactful ways to support our youngest community members and their families, including PCSD’s planned facilities investment in our youngest students.
PCSD is student-centered, with a focus and emphasis on the whole child. By supporting early-childhood education, we can further PCSD’s mission to inspire and support all students equitably to achieve their academic and social potential.