Free early childhood education class coming soon
By Quest Lakes
Special to Dayton Courier
According to the Nevada Public Education Foundation, Nevada has the highest drop-out rate in the nation, ranking last in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 16- to
19-year-olds not enrolled in high school and not high school graduates.
Nevada is next to last in 18-to-24-year-olds who are enrolled in college or who are college graduates. Part of addressing this issue is beginning with improving early childhood education in Nevada, so that children enter school ready to learn.
United Way has partnered with Vista volunteers to bring free early childhood education tools and classes to parents, babysitters and other caregivers such as preschool teachers.
This statewide campaign is called Nevada Early Education Project and includes three parts: 1) Virtual Pre-K, lessons and at-home activities; 2) Born Learning, providing important information about how young children learn; and 3) Tune in To Kids, a year long calendar of activities designed to promote healthy lifestyles for children and to create positive media environments.
A free class providing three Nevada Registry- approved early childhood education credits on the topics of Virtual Pre-K and Born Learning will be offered by Vista trainers at the Dayton Valley Branch Library on Saturday, March 28 from 11:30am-2:30pm.
Participants will receive resource kits and learn more about the simple, five-minute activities parents or caregivers can do with preschoolers to increase their school readiness. The activities meet pre-K standards for preschools and are available in both English and Spanish. The goal is to provide resources to parents and caregivers for children birth to 5 years so they’re better prepared for school. If you’d like to know more about Virtual Pre-K, you can find the website at www.virtualpre-k.org.
In addition to Virtual Pre-K, parents and caregivers will also receive and learn more about free resources from BornLearning.org, such as one page highlights of what to expect at each month of an infant’s development.
There are still several spots available in the free class, which will include a light lunch. Please call Quest Lakes at Healthy Communities Coalition to reserve your spot in the class: 287-7598.