First 5 Solano has launched its 2014 “Pre-K Business Champions” campaign. So far, 14 area businesses and individuals have given $6,500, said Matthew A. Davis, Solano County public communications officer.

The campaign raises money to help children attend summer preschool classes on school campuses.

“We are on our way to our goal of $25,000 in business donations,” First 5 Solano Chairperson Jay Speck said.

Fairfield Funeral Home is a founding donor and leading business sponsor of the Pre-K Business Champions program, and “as a business owner, I believe we can’t afford not to help our children get the best education possible,” said Buck Kamphausen, the funeral home’s owner.

Kaiser Permanente, also a founding sponsor, leads the effort with a contribution of $2,000.

“As a second-year participant in the campaign, we’ve pledged the support of ten children,” said Dilenna Harris, public affairs manager for Kaiser. “We believe it’s a wise investment for our community.”

Each $200 donation is matched with an equal amount from First 5 Solano to send a child lacking preschool experience to a four-week “Pre-Kindergarten Academy.”

“Those classes are designed to help children with academic and social skills to succeed in school,” Davis said. “Every school district in Solano County is participating in the program.”

The 2013 campaign raised $13,450 from 35 corporate and community sponsors, Davis said. Each dollar was matched by First 5 to help 67 preschoolers attend the academy.

He said 426 children and 34 instructors participated last year, and demand for the program has doubled this year. He said the academy is able to accept up to 800 children.

“Even four weeks of Pre-K makes a difference, for the child, for the teacher, for the school,” said Cherelyn Ellington Hunt, early childhood program manager at First 5 Solano.

“Each donation means that one more child has just increased their chances of having a successful school experience.”

Davis said 48 percent of Solano children attend preschool, and many families can’t afford those classes. He said studies indicate children who attend preschool are more likely to complete their education and avoid later dependence on social programs.

First 5 tracks the progress of the 4- and 5-year-olds attending the Solano Summer Pre-K Academy program, he said, with the majority showing improvement in early academic and social skills.

The program requires schools to encourage parents to introduce their children to the school routine, Davis said.

In addition, schools are expected to help parents understand that they are instrumental in their children’s academic success.

“Chronic absence as early as kindergarten predicts school failure,” said Speck, who is also Solano County superintendent of schools. “Children succeed in school when their parents know and support their children’s attendance and love of learning.”

Pre-K Business Champion donors will be recognized at the annual First 5-sponsored Solano Economic Development Corporation breakfast, 7:30 a.m. May 29 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfield.

2014 Solano Pre-Kindergarten Academies will start in July. Interested parents may call Benicia Unified School District, 707-747-8300, or First 5 Solano, 707-784-1332.

Those interested in the First 5 Solano Pre-K Business Champions campaign may contact Ciara Gonsalves at 707-784-1338 or CCGonsalves@solanocounty.com.