May 03, 2010

Columbus, Ohio Cares About its Kids

Recently I attended an event at the Early Childhood Learning Community on Rudy Road in the Original Knolls neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, where my daughter is a teacher for Head Start. This is a collaborative school between Franklin County Board of Developmentally Disabled www.fcbdd.org and Head Start. 2 Franklin County BDD infant toddler rooms and 2 toddler rooms, and 5 preschool rooms combining the programs are housed at this school. With its own adaptive physical education instructor, art/music teacher, this school is truly outstanding in its expertise and offerings to pre-schoolers.

The event was an art show/fundraiser to raise funds for OLE, the outdoor learning environment play area at the school. Parents, teachers, students and friends attended. Several outside groups donated their time for this evening; live music was provided, Henna tattoos were done and the food was donated by the parents. The event usually raises $1000-$1500. One of the activities going on during the evening was the display of animals provided by the Reptile Guy www.PTReptiles.com. After my 7 year old granddaughter dared me I was brave and I allowed the reptile handler to wrap a very large snake, possibly four or five feet long. Amazingly, the skin felt very smooth but after a kiss on the nose, I was ready for the snake to visit someone else.

The goal of the school is:

Helping people to live, learn and work in our community.
Supporting parents and family members with life-long services where needed.
Supporting a caring community with cost effective services.
Providing stability in services, employment and finances
Maintaining strong partnerships with other providers.

Next week we will be attending Merry-Go-Round. This is an evening with entertainment by members of The Childhood League Organization including a silent auction, dinner and dancing. The proceeds from this event help fund the Childhood League Center www.childhoodleague.org, located in the downtown area of Columbus, near Children’s Hospital. As a member years ago, I know the commitment the men and women make to this organization and the love expressed to the children through their giving… of time and talent and donations.

The goal is that the children helped by these schools will have the tools required to begin their childhood educations in traditional school settings.

When making a decision on your home in Columbus, Ohio or surrounding areas, please visit www.camtaylor.com for help!

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