As July comes to a close, early education and preschool programs in Clermont are opening enrollment for the Fall semester. Child Focus, The Learning Nest, and A Million Dreams are just a few facilities offering seasonal or rolling registration.
Troubling observations following the COVID-19 pandemic mark a notable decline in childhood developmental skills across America. Recent reports from the NWEA research group indicate that children are achieving lower reading and math scores compared to their pre-pandemic counterparts.
Other studies report increases in speech and language impairments, fine motor skill delays, and lower overall marks in language and cognitive function in adolescence. These critical skills have a significant impact on a child’s working memory and impulse control as the child ages.
Over the last year, Clermont County leadership from across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors analyzed the outcomes of its ten-year Agenda For the Future project. This community initiative addressed several elements of youth development and education in coordination with changes that are affecting the County. The steering committee has extended Agenda For the Future into 2035 to ensure early childhood education has the resources and support it needs to benefit Clermont families in every township.
Following its commitment to this mission, Connect Clermont has provided information about upcoming Fall programs to combat youth education decline in the region.
The Child Focus Head Start program prepares children to be physically healthy, mentally engaged, and socially adjusted for general education. This 501(c)(3) organization helps children learn to manage their feelings, learn critical communication skills, and promote curiosity. According to the program’s website, Child Focus uses a research based curriculum that supports individual growth and childhood development, using proven benchmarks to measure positive outcomes for students.
Registration is now open for families in Clermont County.
“Our Head Start program gives children a strong start before kindergarten,” Assistant Director of Child Focus, Katie Peters told the Ohio Safety Net Alliance. “West Clermont, Batavia, Milford, Felicity and Williamsburg centers still have limited openings to build your child's social skills, confidence, and school readiness with trained teachers leading the way”
The program offers children ages three to five:
Kindergarten readiness skills
Safe indoor-outdoor play guided by experienced professionals
Healthy meals and field trips
Many children in Clermont live in low-income households. Historically, it has been challenging for some of these families to prioritize early education opportunities. Child Focus provides accessible opportunities to those who rely on SNAP benefits and offers additional eligibility for foster and kinship care recipients.
Gail Koford of Connect Clermont and the East Side Rotary Club partners with
Child Focus to host a pumpkin patch for kids (2015).
The Learning Nest continues to receive support from the Clermont community. The website provides information for those who would like to contribute financial donations or supplies to support teachers and programs. Recent tariffs have increased material costs for educators, so any support is welcome.
Faith-based early education programs for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years are also available at A Million Dreams. Interested parents can follow the contact information on the website for more enrollment information.
Ohio’s Department of Children & Youth offers an online child-care and education lookup. Residents in Clermont can find suitable options for their kids using this free public resource.
Follow Connect Clermont for more youth development news.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here