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The Community Partnerships for Children Grant Program has been promoting early education as an integral part of learning since 1993. By means of Community Partnerships for Children councils (CPC) throughout the Commonwealth they continue to strive to make sure high-quality programs are available and affordable for families with preschool-aged children. Over the last few years councils have had less funding to work with due to budget cuts. This year Cindy Milner, coordinator of the local CPC which includes the towns of East Longmeadow, Hampden, Longmeadow, Ludlow and Wilbraham, is sending out a call for more collaborators from the community to strengthen the council and all that it supports. "[In the wake of cuts] we prioritize the needs. Our first priority is families," Milner said. She said their focus remains to help working and low-income families with children ages 2.9 to five years old. "There are families where both parents work and they still can't afford their [children's preschool] programs," Milner said. CPC offers families, who meet eligibility guidelines, reduced cost preschool placement at participating private center based and family day care programs, thanks to grants provided by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Programs that families are referred to are accredited or in the process of accreditation by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. The CPC works closely with individuals to ensure that the best possible care is fitted to each child's needs. That is why other programs available through their partnerships in the community include special consultations for speech and hearing, behavioral health and resource and referrals. Computers, books, software, thematic kits and more are also offered through the local CPI collaboration with East Longmeadow and Hampden libraries. Milner explained that preschool prepares a child to work together singularly and as a group, listen and follow instruction, pre- reading skills, social emotional skills, motor development to cut, color develop letter formation and recognition, and many other skills. She said the council stays abreast of what is going on in public schools as well. "We try to connect all the programs," she explained asking that they continue to try to ask themselves relevant questions to make sure children are getting the best early education possible. "[We ask], 'what are mandates of public schools?' 'How do we keep current with those?'" Milner said. That is why CPC members come from diverse backgrounds it gives the council a balance, Milner explained. There are public school, child care centers, librarians and health professionals on the council. "We encourage businesses [involving early childhood care] and parents to join," Milner said. "We meet once a month at the East Longmeadow Library from September through June. We are a group of early childhood professionals supporting each other and having conversations about best practices, funding and quality programs." Milner said parents can find out if they are eligible for assistance by contacting the council. Also, even when families do not meet guidelines, Milner said most times she is able to refer them to another organization where their needs can be met. For more information contact Community Partnerships for Children at 478-4327. | ||||||
