What if we told you that investing in children under age 5 in Appalachian Ohio was one of the most important economic investments you could make? Research has shown time and time again that investing in the region’s youngest citizens can provide long term benefits throughout their entire lives, including success for the child’s future development as well as the community’s. That’s why the Early Childhood Education Fund for Appalachian Ohio was created at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO).
The Fund was designed to invest in the potential of Appalachian Ohio’s youngest citizens and help improve early childhood education outcomes across the region.
The children of Appalachian Ohio, especially those in the region who are disadvantaged economically, need and deserve an environment that is encouraging and supportive. By investing in a generation’s early childhood education, we are giving them the opportunity to thrive at an early age, shaping them to become successful adults.
“With today’s understanding of brain development we know that school for our youngest children is hands-on. It’s strategic, intentional play that takes their natural curiosity and turns it into the building blocks of learning for life,” shared Maureen Boggs, the Early Childhood Education Division Director at the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) and fund representative for the Early Childhood Education Fund for Appalachian Ohio. “By investing in our children now, we are paving the way for them to grow and succeed throughout their entire life.”
The effect of quality early childhood education can stretch far into the future, affecting a child’s educational opportunities and health. Economists agree that investing in our youngest children is one of the smartest decisions we can make. Studies have shown that there are fewer dollars spent on crime and greater future tax revenue from the earnings of children who had access to quality early childhood education.
The Fund will support grants that might include providing children with a smooth and successful transition into kindergarten; investing in early childhood education providers, teachers, and staff; and creating greater access to early childhood education programs by seeding scholarships for children to attend programs and encourage enrollment among Appalachian Ohio’s most vulnerable children.
Maureen Boggs and her family have spent many years supporting this cause to honor their parents, Walter J. and Marjorie G. McCarthy. Together, they created the Early Childhood Education Fund for Appalachian Ohio to grow their work. To lead the way on investing in our youngest children, COAD’s member Community Action Agencies have made gifts to the fund to encourage others to join the movement. Since then Boggs and COAD have been working hard to bring community partners together so we can all invest in the children of Appalachia.
Gifts to the Early Childhood Education Fund are tax deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, and life insurance.
Donations can be made online at www.AppalachianOhio.org by designating the Early Childhood Education Fund for Appalachian Ohio. To mail your donation, please designate the Early Childhood Education Fund for Appalachian Ohio and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, PO Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764.
To learn more about how you can support Appalachian Ohio’s youngest citizens, please visit www.AppalachianOhio.org or call 740.753.1111.
About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio.
A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation creates opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. For more information about FAO, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org.