Year-End Message for You!

Dear Friends,

Toddlers contentedly flip through board books on the cozy sofa sized just for them. Preschoolers paint a rocket ship created to honor the first African American woman to travel in space, Dr. Mae C. Jemison. School-age students study the masters, building a portfolio of their own masterpieces -- and confidence -- along the way. 

As we look ahead to 2023, I am hopeful because every day, I see a hopeful future in the faces of our young students. 

I am also hopeful because of you.

Your commitment as donors and advocates makes possible our work to provide a high-quality learning environment to all children.

We are inspired to face continued challenges. We must ensure that our talented teachers and other child care professionals are adequately compensated for their expertise.

Many families in Philadelphia need high-quality year-round child care. To ensure equitable access, we must continue to advocate for adequate public funding.

I was proud to serve as a panelist during a recent conference highlighting the need for collaborative solutions to expand child care. 

Above all, the event underscored child care's role in ensuring that children, families, and businesses thrive.

I ask you to do one more thing: Join me to sign a petition (scroll for details) to urge PA's new Governor, Josh Shapiro, to invest in early care and education for all.

The aim is to expand access to:

  • high quality pre-k and child care,

  • family support services, including evidence-based home visiting,

  • early intervention,

  • and perinatal and children’s health care.

and

  • advance initiatives that will stabilize programs and appropriately compensate the professionals that provide these services.

The petition is a united effort of Pre-K for PA, Start Strong PA , Childhood Begins At Home, and Thriving PA campaigns.

Thank you for all you do for children and families!

Mary E. Graham, Executive Director
Children’s Village

Ellen Saint Clair