Area children attending Growing Tree, a program of the Early Childhood Programs at Western New Mexico University, will soon benefit from a grant awarded by the Brindle Foundation.
The $15,000 grant will support the Growing Tree program, a 5 star, nationally accredited infant and toddler program, located at Silver Opportunity High School. Growing Tree serves children of teen parents as they pursue continued educational opportunities at both the Silver High School and at WNMU.
Currently serving 14 students, Growing Tree’s tuition fees do not cover the cost of the program. The grant will support the operations of the program, allowing Growing Tree to continue to provide high quality care and education for the children of area teen youth.
“The cost of providing quality infant and toddler care continues to,” said Shannon Rivera, Executive Director of Early Childhood Programs. “This funding supports us in delivering consistent caregiving in the classroom by qualified educators.”
The funds will also support registration and in-state travel for educators to receive professional development and training specific to working with infants, toddlers and teen parents.
“With highly qualified teachers, we will experience more positive outcomes for the at-risk population of children and families served,” said Rivera.Growing Tree is one of several programs administered through the Early Childhood Programs at WNMU. For more information, visit ecp.wnmu.edu.
Growing Tree is one of several programs administered through the Early Childhood Programs at WNMU. For more information, visit ecp.wnmu.edu.