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July 15, 2009

Raising our voices for quality Pre-K

Shirley Caudill

Would you like to be a Captain for Kids? As most of you know, my husband Jeff and I have been captains for kids most of our lives. We just never really had a name for it. Not until we joined Generations United recently and were spotlighted in their magazine. Then we jumped on the bandwagon to promote civic engagement to demonstrate the importance older adults can play in support of issues that directly benefit children and youth. Like Optimists, they are friends of youth.

Called Seniors4Kids, Generations United helps adults 50+ create networks of community leaders and grassroots volunteers to work to increase access to and improve the quality of Pre-K programs. Like us, they believe the first five years are imperative to give a child a heads-up in the learning process.

Jeff and I believe it is a worthwhile endeavor and a much needed program in Kentucky so that our youth will be prepared to compete in the adult world. We don’t want the next generation to remain low on the totem pole in education. A head start is so important!

Seniors4Kids’ goals are to increase public and political awareness and the powerful role adults play in youth advocacy... present an effective role model ... with the engagement of senior citizens and young children. The older generation has a lifetime of knowledge to share with young children. And the time to get it done.

Seniors can provide inspiration and technical assistance for state and local organizations to implement effective programs connecting older adults, children, and youth. Seniors4Kids is active in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, as well as Kentucky. The initiative began in Florida was a pilot program. And we hope to see it grow and grow. If you believe in the program, you can get involved by telling your story about why you think Pre-K matters. Lend your wisdom and skills by participating in an advisory capacity as a Lead Captain.

Help recruit more Captains4Kids; look for inter-generational volunteer opportunities such as assisting your local school or early education centers ... become a Kentucky State Foster Grandparent. Use your online influence to encourage others to join this worthwhile endeavor.

Write letters to the editor expressing older adult support. Share your stories about the older people in your young life and the influence they had on your future. Become a voice for the children and promote academic excellence.

Jeff and I were motivated to join Seniors4Kids when we saw the results of the work of The Laurel/London Optimist Club in our community over the past nearly 30 years. It is a wonderful investment. Children need to reach their potential in this fast-paced world. They are the future of this country and we need your help to impress on people the importance of the first five years of life.

Take a stand for Kentucky’s children. They are depending on you ...and me.

Shirley Caudill of London is a former newspaper editor/publisher and longtime freelance columnist. She is a Nashville native who has lived in Kentucky 40 years. She has six children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and is married to a retired Army First Sergeant. She can be reached at shirleycaudill@windstream.net

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