Save the Children is a new program in USD 257 looking to give young children in at-risk situations a helping hand from the beginning.
Leslie Hillbrandt, a former substitute teacher, has taken the reins of the program, funded by a five-year grant from Safe and Supportive of Schools, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Education.
The program provides prenatal services and those for children 3 to 5. The goal is to form a connection between home life and school and the importance of an education.
“I’m hoping we can give the kids the knowledge they’ll need to succeed once they get to grade school,” Hillbrandt said. “We are also going to do what we can to help parents get ready for parenthood.”
Part of the training Hillbrandt received when she was in Kentucky for a week, is an emphasis on giving single parents and parents of at-risk children better information and resources to be proactive in their childrens’ educations.
A portion of that will be accomplished by doing bi-weekly home visits for the expecting parents as they get ready to assume the responsibilities of the first steps in their child’s education.
Another facet of the program will focus on the importance of reading books to infants and toddlers. Children in the 3-5 year old range will participate in a book exchange.
“Each child will have a book bag with three books,” Hillbrandt said. “Then they’ll come back periodically and get three new books to read. It’s a great way to get them interested in the reading process early.”
The program is allowed a maximum of 50 children, with 20 in the prenatal stage and 30 in the 3-5 year old range. Children from low-income and at-risk family situations will be given priority for enrollment.
Though STC’s funding is secure initially, Hillbrandt will begin writing grants in the near future to keep the program going strong. Hillbrandt said she will begin actively looking for families who could benefit from STC’s services July 15. In the meantime she continues to get things set up as she prepares for the fall.
“There’s a lot that still needs to be accomplished but I have a lot of hope for the children we are going to help,” Hillbrandt said.
