“We can have as many as 76 youngsters at the center,” said FEC Director Jennine Skousen.
Sarah Martin of Chino Valley and Karely Rodriguez-Mata of Prescott are among dozens of parents who benefit from the FEC program as they balance work, college and parenthood. The program, now in its 15th year, provides a full week of early education and professional childcare, from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Martin said her 17-month-old daughter, Isabelle, is among the youngsters at FEC, as is Rodriguez-Mata’s daughter, Orianna, who is three years old. Both women had scholarships, too, which helped them financially.
“We can have as many as 76 youngsters at the center,” said FEC Director Jennine Skousen. “We have 23 students we use as support staff, and 13 full-time faculty and staff members. We have children ranging from three months old up to 5 years in this preschool educational program.”
Raising Funds for Family Enrichment Center
A large crowd attended a fundraising event last month in the YC Performing Arts Center to support the FEC. “No other institution I know of has a similar comprehensive program that benefits so many children, parents and students,” said Yavapai College Governing Board Chair Debbie McCasland. “Also, the program was recently given a 5-Star rating and awarded accreditation by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education programs.”
Friends of the FEC President Janelle Goligoski urged attendees to support the FEC through contributions or other assistance. “Your help can provide support for the lab school, for students enrolled in the early education degree program. You can help provide tuition assistance and scholarships for qualified families. Most important, you can help us continue an atmosphere that underscores our community belief that children are the future.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
For more information, visit yc.edu.
