Two Years Ago, Cincinnati Voted to Fund a $15 Million Pre-K Program for Struggling Families. Now More Than 1,300 Kids Have Gotten a Leg Up on Kindergarten
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The early years of a child’s life are critical in shaping their future. According to Shiloh Turner, the executive director of Cincinnati Preschool Promise, children who are not prepared for kindergarten are more likely to struggle with reading at grade level by third grade. This can lead to serious consequences later on, such as dropping out of high school and potentially ending up in the prison system. Recognizing the importance of early childhood development, Turner’s organization is dedicated to giving low-income children a fair chance to thrive.
Cincinnati Preschool Promise has made significant progress in its first year. With a budget of $15 million per year over a span of five years, the program has successfully helped over 1,300 families in need enroll their children in quality preschools. One parent, Nakesha Forney, expressed her gratitude for the program’s assistance in preparing her son, Landon, for his future. She believes that the benefits extend far beyond kindergarten.
Forney, a hairstylist, and her husband, a chef, struggled to find an affordable preschool for their oldest son until Cincinnati Preschool Promise intervened. With the help of a tuition subsidy, they were able to send Landon to the highly-rated Little Blossoms Academy. Forney credits the school with transforming her son’s life, as he has developed strong academic and social skills. She is proud of his progress and grateful for the program’s support.
Deena Merritt also recognized the value of Cincinnati Preschool Promise for her son Louis. The program’s mission is to provide financial and logistical support to overwhelmed parents, as well as improve the quality of preschool programs so they meet Ohio’s standards for inclusion in Preschool Promise. With 82 preschools already participating, the program has worked with an additional 22 to make necessary improvements and meet eligibility requirements.
With the success of its first year, Cincinnati Preschool Promise looks forward to continued growth and impact. Executive director Shiloh Turner expressed her enthusiasm for the future, emphasizing the program’s ability to achieve even more. Alysun Ogilby, a mother facing a difficult situation due to a divorce, was relieved to find affordable and reliable daycare for her twin boys through Preschool Promise. The program truly made a difference for her and her family.
In summary, Cincinnati Preschool Promise is dedicated to providing young children from low-income families with the opportunity to thrive during their crucial early years. Through financial assistance, coaching, and curriculum advice, the program supports parents and improves preschool programs to meet Ohio’s standards. With its initial success, Cincinnati Preschool Promise is poised to make an even greater impact in the future.
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