The Boone County Foundation Fund advisory committee continually seeks opportunities to enhance quality of life across the county. Currently one of the most pressing challenges in this area is child care. Two initiatives are in place: Cardinal Kids Club, an after school program in coordination with Boone Central Schools, and traditional daycare needs.
Cardinal Kids Club
Cardinal Kids Club will be an after-school expanded learning opportunity for kids in Kindergarten through fifth grades (launched fall 2017).
The program provides after school care, including homework assistance, snacks, and active play. However, students also have the opportunity to take part in hands-on learning activities that are STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) driven and are aligned with Nebraska readiness standards.
Boone Central Schools is one of five districts across the state benefiting from an $893,000 grant to develop expanded learning opportunities for children. This grant program is led through a partnership between the Nebraska Department of Education and Beyond School Bells.
Boone Central Schools is working in partnership with the Boone County Foundation Fund to create a model that is community driven and capitalizes on the resources that are available within Albion and the surrounding areas.
Stay up today on all things Cardinal Kids Club on Facebook: @CardinalKidsClub
Boone Beginnings
A lack of childcare across Boone County isn’t a new concern. For the last several years, the Boone County Foundation Fund has been proactively gaining knowledge, considering solutions, and working with other local groups to determine the right answer to meet the needs of area parents and children. Boone Beginnings Early Childhood and Family Development Center will provide childcare and high-quality programming for up to 80 children from ages of six weeks through preschool. Located in the county hub of Albion, Boone Beginnings will offer childcare, parent education, and a support network for all licensed childcare providers in Boone County.
Over the course of the twelve-month construction period, Boone Beginnings programming will simultaneously be planned. This process will include countless facets such as curriculum and material selection, licensing, job descriptions and staffing, and continuing to build local partnerships. We have a steering committee of qualified members who will lead this process under the direction of Nebraska Children and Families. Continuing our participation in the Communities for Kids Cohort will guide our decision making and ensure best practices are implemented. For more information about C4K visit https://www.communitiesforkids.org.
Thanks to the fundraising efforts, which have raised over $3.5 million dollars to date, we are able to begin this process. The success of this campaign was unprecedented and remarkable to say the least. However, it continues, we will continue to seek donations and grants to fund a high-quality program that is sustainable long term. Elements such as building funds and teacher wages are top priorities as we move into operation. Please continue to fundraise!
We continue to educate the community on the importance of high quality and available early childhood development and care. Committee members are always here to meet with groups or individuals who want to learn more. Please contact Lindsey Jarecki (ljarecki@hotmail.com, 402-850-9553) or Michelle Olson (michelleolson@boone-county.org, 402-395-3356) with any questions or concerns.