FIRST 5 SOLANO HAS STARTED its second annual “Pre-K Business Champions” campaign, during which it is seeking local businesses to contribute at least $200 to underwrite its summer Pre-Kindergarten Academies throughout the county.
The academies are for children who have never been to preschool.
“One of the most powerful indicators of a student being at risk for school failure in their later years is their lack of readiness for kindergarten,” said Jay Speck, First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission chairperson and Solano County superintendent of schools.
“For years, the Pre-K academies have successfully helped prepare students that have little or no preschool experience,” he said. “There is no question in my mind that this relatively small investment at this early age absolutely can change the course of a child’s life.”
He said in 2013 alone, those who attended the 4-6 week Pre-K Academies had a 90-percent attendance rate.
The 426 children who entered kindergarten after attending the academies showed measurable gains in early literacy and social adjustment skills, Speck said, and their parents also became more engaged in the children’s education.
Each tax-deductible business donation of $200 will be matched by First 5 Solano, and will pay for one child to attend the summer preschool program.
The three-month “Pre-K Business Champions” campaign will give awards for participating businesses at a May 29 breakfast co-sponsored by First 5 Solano and the Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
This year’s theme is “Transitional Kindergarten,” highlighting the benefits of a two-year kindergarten for all 4-year-olds in California.
Last year, 35 Solano Pre-K Business Champions raised $13,450, with some businesses donating as much as $1,000 to support five children.
“The strong partnership between Solano EDC and First 5 Solano has helped local businesses understand how important the first years are for our children — our future work force — and our economy,” said Sandy Person, president of Solano EDC. “We are committed to strengthening efforts like the Pre-K Academies that support early learning programs.”
Interested business representatives may contact Ciara Gonsalves, First 5 Solano, at 707-784-1338.
The Benicia Herald’s weekly Benicia Business Beat column is an opportunity for local businesses and companies to tell our readers about such news as moves, grand openings, awards, promotion of employees, staff changes and changes in goods and services.
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