COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PLEDGES $120,000 GRANT FOR PRESCHOOL

November 14, 2012 — (Editor's Note: The following news release was distributed by Kokomo-Center School Corporation.)

Members of the Community Foundation of Howard County have pledged a three-year, $120,000 grant to fund preschool education for qualified Howard County students. This grant, coupled with the $20,000 already donated by the Community Foundation for preschool education, will make a huge and lasting impact on community children, according to Kokomo-Center Superintendent Jeff Hauswald.

"This amazing grant speaks to the importance of early childhood education, as well as the vital role our Community Foundation plays in improving the quality of life in Howard County," Dr. Hauswald said. "I cannot think of a better investment to make, and I cannot thank the Community Foundation enough on behalf of the children in Howard County."

Hilda Burns, President of the Community Foundation, noted that the grant was made possible through the William S. and Susannah B. Hough Youth Fund.

"The Hough's had a great interest in helping people obtain an education, and in helping at-risk youth," Mrs. Burns said. Knowing this need would continue beyond their lifetime, they left a generous legacy through the Community Foundation to continue supporting youth and students. This community-wide preschool focus is at the heart of the Hough’s concern, so this is a great match for the fund."

Eligible children from Howard County will be allowed to use this grant to attend the Community Preschool at Elwood Haynes Elementary School this school year. This child-centered preschool program uses certified teachers to prepare children for kindergarten success.

Elwood Haynes Principal Linda Campbell believes the diverse curriculum at the community preschool is designed to meet the needs of all students.

"Our Community Preschool provides high-quality instruction that meets the learning needs of each student," Mrs. Campbell noted. "Our rich curriculum includes opportunities to learn academic, physical, and social skills, which will prepare each preschooler for success in kindergarten."

This school year, this Community Foundation grant will allow an additional 40 qualified students to receive a full year of preschool education Monday through Friday for three hours each day with qualified, licensed teachers in an environment that prepares them for kindergarten. During the three years of the donation, at least 140 children will receive a free preschool education experience because of the support of the Community Foundation.

Kokomo-Center's Director of Special Programs, Dr. Dawn McGrath, noted that one of the leading indicators for academic success is preschool experience.

"Research supports the positive impact of preschool on school-readiness and future academic achievement," Dr. McGrath said. "The importance of investing early in the development of our little children is critical to the success of our community. A preschool experience greatly improves the likelihood of high school graduation."

Superintendent Hauswald welcomes the community support. 

"Kokomo-Center Schools continues to recognize the value of preschool education for our entire community, and we are happy to be working with the Community Foundation to expand the number of preschool spots available for free to qualified families in our community," Dr. Hauswald said. "I am confident that this program will have a lifetime of benefits for our community as early childhood education has proven to reduce high school dropouts and decrease long-term societal costs."

If any community member, or organization, is interested in supporting the Free Preschool Program through the Community Foundation of Howard County, they may do so by making a donation to the Community Foundation and writing "free preschool" on the information line of the check. In addition, if someone is interested in starting his or her own fund in support of the community, contact the Community Foundation at 454-7298.

Parents interested in applying for the free preschool spots, which will be handled on a first-come, first-serve basis for qualified students, should contact Elwood Haynes Community Preschool at 454-7050. Preschool spots remain at Elwood Haynes for all students at affordable rates for both the half-day, and full-day, programs.