Children’s PLACE (Preschool Learning Activities Center for Education) in Huntington, West Virginia provides early learning and child care services for children ages 6 weeks through Pre-K. The organization also offers a summer program for school aged children, providing a much needed service to families where daytime adult supervision is not possible. Children’s PLACE uses the Creative Curriculum in all of their classrooms. Additionally, 15% of the clients receive special education services. Currently, Children’s PLACE serves 104 children daily, and 145 children annually.

“So, what is so special about that,” you might ask? Well, Children’s PLACE operates on a sliding fee scale based on income. Children who come on a part-week basis pay a portion of the weekly fee plus a dollar a day. There is a $10 application-processing fee due when applying for services and an enrollment fee due upon admission to the center. This allows working families with low incomes to ensure that their children are receiving education and child care services that are vital to the future development of our children; educational opportunities and care that might otherwise not be possible for a low-income household. Tuition is payable in cash, or via Title XX reimbursement from the State of West Virginia.
Children’s PLACE employs 23 paid employs and two volunteers. They have an Executive Director, and a Board of Directors.

How Can You Help?

Donate.
Children’s PLACE is always in need of toys, craft supplies, and books, books, BOOKS! Did you know that literacy is significantly higher for children that not only have access to books, but have ownership of books? At Children’s PLACE, clients are given access to books that they can keep; this increases their chances at literacy, and depletes the organization’s supply of books. Because Children’s PLACE receives no state or federal funds, they are always in need of funds to replenish books, paper, and art supplies. Donations made to Children’s PLACE are tax deductible.

Volunteer.
Several times a year, Children’s PLACE has “work party” days, where minor maintenance, cleanup, and other tasks are performed by staff and volunteers. Let them know you are interested in helping, and they’ll let you know when the next work party is scheduled; they feed volunteers lunch, and in a few hours, everyone pitches in to get things done. I have done a couple of these, and always feel good at the end of the effort, and typically make a new friend in the process! Sometimes, volunteers with repair skills are needed to make repairs outside of the scheduled work parties. Children’s PLACE relies on their qualified volunteers to help stretch their budget and serve as many children as possible.
Additionally, qualified volunteers are needed to assist the teachers in the classrooms, and with child care. To volunteer in this capacity, you must attend a free orientation. Additionally, classroom volunteers must have a physical, TB test, background check and drug screen to be eligible. All staff must have a child development, or equivalent, credential.

Serve on the Board of Directors.
Children’s PLACE has a local-citizen Board of Directors. Perhaps this is a way for you to help. Board members serve three year terms, with a three-term limit. There are some other details that may be of interest to you; contact Children’s PLACE if you are interested.

Support the Fundraiser.
Children’s PLACE has an annual Monte Carlo Night fundraiser. Come out and try your luck, have a nice evening out and contribute to a great cause!

For more information:
Children’s PLACE website: http://www.childrensplaceinc.com
Children’s PLACE, Inc.
625 Richmond Street
Huntington, WV 25702
304-525-8586