The Daviess County Public Schools district has received a $1,707 grant from the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro to implement a program designed to support and encourage parents and guardians as partners in early childhood education. The grant will fund a pilot program for parents of 30 preschool students at Whitesville Elementary School.
The coronavirus pandemic has increased awareness of the importance of parent/guardian involvement in their children’s learning. The PLFO grant will provide materials and resources to create a Parent Café.
Families will receive copies of books and supplies designed to guide them in working with their children on fun and interactive learning projects. Each family will also receive 10 read-aloud children’s books.
Parents will be invited to participate in an online book study, which will provide the opportunity to interact with early childhood education professionals, as well as listen and learn from one another.
“Making connections with other parents and building that support network is something that all our parents so desperately need during this pandemic,” said DCPS early childhood instructional coach Donna Howard. “In conversations with our families, a common thing we hear is ‘I thought I was the only one who felt that way’ or ‘I thought my child was the only one who did that.’ We understand the importance of being open to hearing from parents, while acknowledging and validating their concerns and interests.
“By offering this virtual engagement opportunity, we can help support children beyond their early years and make their families an important part of their education well into the future.”
Parents who are unable to join the virtual event live may view the recorded sessions at their convenience.
“Parents today have been forced into a role they never expected,” Howard said. “One of the most accurate predictors of student success is the extent to which families are engaged in their children’s learning at home, but many parents struggle to work with their children and have no idea how to teach their kids. We can empower parents to fulfill their role by simply reading aloud to their children every day.
“Parents who take part in this book study will have an opportunity to shape family tradition, bond with their children, develop empathy and compassion in their children through books, create lifelong memories and become part of our legacy of reading to children.”
In awarding the grant, PLFO executive director David Boeyink said, “We hope this grant will fill a gap in the funding needed to provide great educational opportunities for the children of Daviess County. Your work on their behalf during the pandemic is a special contribution worthy of our community’s gratitude.”
