By Toni Sherwood
Whether we’re voting for the Head of the Condo Association, the next American Idol, or President of the United States, we wonder, who is this person? Do they really deserve my vote?
That’s why we at Seeds of Learning want you to know who you’re voting for when you participate in our fundraiser Dancing With The Pagosa Stars.
You see, this event actually ends on August 21 – culminating with the ultimate dance competition at the Ross Aragon Community Center, but it begins right now – with your vote. When you check a box for one of the six truly selfless volunteer Stars — when you go to our website to vote — you’ll actually be voting for these precious little ones.
Regardless of who you choose, every dollar is a vote that ensures the success of a young scholar.
Seeds serves children from all income levels and family situations using a sliding scale for tuition. Our parents can be spotted all over town, in the service industry, retail, and medical professions among others. Some kids are being raised by grandparents. We have children in foster care. We have children of single parents who must work, or with newborns at home who require their undivided attention. Whoever they are and wherever they come from, all kids are treated equally and offered individualized learning programs based on their strengths and weaknesses. The care and individual attention these students get at Seeds makes all the difference in their future.
Without Early Childhood Education, whether at Seeds, homeschooling or elsewhere, kids are in jeopardy of being left behind. Left behind in brain development. Left behind in learning. Left behind their peers.
The benefits of Early Childhood Education have been studied beginning with the Perry Study in 1962-1967, and they have continued to follow the students to present day via the longitudinal study.
From the Highscope website:
The longitudinal study found that at age 40, the participants who experienced the preschool program:
Had fewer teenage pregnancies
Were more likely to have graduated from high school
Were more likely to hold a job and have higher earnings
Committed fewer crimes
Owned their own home and carAs the longest-running longitudinal study in early education, the Perry Study continues to prove that investing in high-quality early education yields positive results for children and families.
So please do take a minute now to vote for any of these brave Stars, (Tim Sullivan, Betsy Burnett, Derek Pepin, Terrie Frahm, Len Liszewski, Heather Simpson) they are doing their darndest to drum up funds for the young scholars at Seeds.
There is a button to vote on the Seeds website.
And when a Star asks you to ‘Vote for Me!’ you’re really voting for Seeds to continue its vital role in our community, and for the future of these adorable youngsters full of promise.