Letter to the editor – Ces Brunow in support of Early Learning Center

Dear Editor, 

It’s no surprise that good things continue to happen in Jefferson!  Please join me and many others in support of “Growth Happens Here”, a fundraising campaign for the construction of a 9,484 square foot center dedicated to early childhood care and education.  As the only nonprofit childcare program in Jefferson, the Greene County Early Learning Center has achieved excellence and the DHS “star 4” recognition as it has served young families for over sixteen years.  During that time it has grown to a licensed capacity of 94 children and has moved 11 times to accommodate growth.  Its current location in the 70 year old former “south grade” building is not adequate to meet the growing needs of Greene County families.  We feel strongly that it is time for the Greene County Early Learning Center to have a permanent home.

The policy-making board of directors has been a good steward of the program’s mission and finances through the years, building it into the established program offered today.  As a longtime early childhood program director at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, I was impressed to discover a local program of such quality upon my return to Jefferson 10 years ago.  I became a member of the GCELC’s board and witnessed first-hand its ongoing commitment to young children and the community.  Confronted with a frequently too-long waiting list and an aging facility, the board engaged an independent firm to determine the actual childcare need in Greene County.  A shortage of 159 spots was found in Jefferson alone, and many more throughout the Greene County School District.  Such a deficit impacts young families as well as local employers, and it is an indication that now is the time to act.

Thank you so much for considering to participate in this worthy project that will provide added quality childcare options for young families in Jefferson and Greene county.  Please contact any GCELC board or steering committee member for more information.  Every donation is greatly appreciated.

GCELC board:  Bill Monroe, Jacque Andrew, Allie Hamilton, Tori Gettler, Jillian Anglemeyer, Becci Hamilton, Sam Harding and Kristin Russell.

Steering Committee:  Donna Sutton, Bill Monroe, Sid Jones, Rick Morain, Jacque Andrew, Ces Brunow, Ruth Freeman, Kathy Bravard, Becci Hamilton, Michelle Fields, Cindi Daubendiek and Omega Sang.

Thank you!

Celia Melson Brunow
GCELC Board Member 2013-2018
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, 1992-2010
Masters in Education, Early Childhood, 2000
Jefferson High School Class of 1967

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