Summer was a busy time at the Greene County Early Learning Center (GCELC). When school is not in session, the number of children age 3-12 enrolled at the center is approximately 50.
During the summer months, GCELC teachers planned numerous field trips and activities for the children. Many of these organized events are not free. The lower income families and children considered at risk often do not have the financial resources to pay the additional fees.
The GCELC received a local decategorization grant of $4900 in spring of 2017 that provided funds for summer activities for children ages 3-12 attending the center.
GCELC collaborated with the Greene County Community Center and Art on the Fly, a local art studio, to provide regular summer programming. The community center staff provided weekly activities that promoted physical well-being, exercise and a greater sense of belonging. Art on The Fly provided a monthly class that promoted creativity. Summer pool passes were also provided for children 6-12 that attended the center so they could go to the pool together several afternoons a week.
At the end of the summer, a parent survey was distributed that collected information about the activities that were available with the grant funding. This gives the GCELC board and staff an opportunity to evaluate the success of the program and the growth of each individual child in the areas of physical well-being and creativity.
