When we pour into the teachers, working hands on with these little ones, we pour into the relationships we are able to build.
The Thrive Together initiative is a passion that, when one thrives, we all thrive. Your support makes this possible. Your donation directly supports the infant, toddler, and preschool children in Ulster County.
Your support makes this possible
Supporting Early Childhood Care
We are on a mission to change the Early Childhood field for children and families in Ulster County, and we know that change starts with teachers.
Teachers are the hands and heart of Early Childhood care. We need your support to help our program create a care environment where teachers can plant roots. Caring relationships are at the core of development for children ages 0-5. We are working to make sure it is possible for teachers to build these important relationships with children and families.
Our communities of working families rely on care environments. Children and families have a right to high-quality care rooted in best-practice.
Best-practice isn't always easy, it is often the more expensive, time consuming option. We believe the littlest learners in our community deserve it. With your help, we can create this change for children, families and teachers.
Why give?
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1
Bridge the gap of accessible infant and toddler Early Childhood Education environments
Infant care only accounts for 11% of the total child care available in Ulster County, and Toddler less than 25%.
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2
Build a comprehensive community space to support families of young children with a strong network of family-based programming.
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3
Raise the standard of Early Childhood Education by prioritizing evidence-based best practice, offering consistent, high quality care.
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4
Value and respect Early Childhood Educators for their contribution to our communities. Provide opportunities for continuing professional development, and career paths with growth.
Low pay and lack of professional support make it difficult for early childhood educators to remain in this field. This high rate of turnover disrupts the consistent, trusting relationships that are essential for children’s emotional growth and family stability.
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5
Invest in the Early Childhood Education Workforce by increasing the average compensation and reducing the high rate of turnover in the Early Childhood industry.
In comparison to the average elementary school teacher in Highland earns $72,000 per year, in contrast, Early Childhood Educators earn an average of $38,000.
