Young children may not be the most noticeable members of society, but paying attention to their early education is an investment worth making.
According to research from the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation, every dollar spent on early education saves $17 in later costs in social welfare.
Early education is an over looked thing that is very important,” says Jane Hobbs, director of the Lopez Children Center. As a Lopez organization the center contributes to the realities of living on the island, “it is a valuable resource, it keeps the island diverse and because it provides child-care it makes it possible for familes to work here,” says Hobbs.
The center serves 35 island children ages 2-6, plus visiting children. Their two programs, PAL (play and learn) and preschool provide child-care five days a week and emphasize the importance of learning through play.
2010 sees the center actively participating in this year’s national “Week of the Young Child” (April 11-17). An annual event, it is held to honor young children and thank teachers and all those who contribute to the programs.
The Lopez Children’s Center will be using the opportunity to raise awareness of the import of the center’s work, and to raise funds for future programs.
This week will herald the beginning of what Hobbs hopes will become an annual event. “We are having a flea market,” she says, describing how, this Saturday, Woodmen Hall will host 19 vendors selling various items from clothes to candles to baked goods.
The proceeds from each vendor booking a spot in the hall will go to the center, as will the proceeds from their own bake sale booth. Additionally, art work created by children who attend the center will be on display at Islanders Bank
As a non-profit the organization is responsible for raising its own funds and Hobbs hopes that the week will be an opportunity to express gratitude to all the Lopez and Washington organizations who aid its funding. “We partner with the Washington State Early Childhood Education Assistance program, the Family Resource center, we are also supported by United Way, the Lopez Thrift Shop, the Lions and generous donations from individual community members.”
Hobbs also wishes to highlight the efforts of the center’s staff, “we are very fortunate to have dedicated, hard working teachers who are educated to provide an environment that nurtures the social, emotional and cognitive and physical development of the young children in our community.”
