Early learning scholarships help | Letter

Published 10:49 am Wednesday, July 24, 2013

When the Sounder published the profiles of the 2013 seniors graduating from Orcas high school, our preschool teacher Jenny Hovelman proudly counted 10 faces of children she had taught during her tenure with Children’s House. These included a co-valedictorian, the salutatorian and other college-bound students with dreams of future achievement.

How important is access to quality early childhood education in putting students on a path of continued learning?  Significant data – and our own experience – prove these early years are critical for helping a child develop a love for life-long learning.

Over our 40-plus-year history, Children’s House has served more than 1,000 children and received numerous grants and donations from countless supporters. These funds help us as a nonprofit to continue providing the highest quality education for island toddlers and preschoolers despite family income or situation.

And over the years, The United Way of San Juan County has been with us – lending a hand even during tough economies when people have less disposable income to give. This year Children’s House was granted nearly $5,000 for scholarships from The United Way. How important was this grant? By June we had already allocated the funds to five families with unique needs.

These funds ensure families that despite financial or special needs their child has a chance to learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment and with the potential of contributing to our community in long-term positive ways.

We are thankful for The United Way, members of its grant committee and thousands of contributors around the county who give generously so that we may continue to help families of children – like these recent grads – receive important early education support.

Please consider giving to The United Way of San Juan County. To learn more about Children’s House and the success of our program, visit oich.org. Or arrange a tour of our classrooms (and meet the future graduates) by calling 376-4744.

Susan Anderson

Children’s House