Early Childhood Education Majors Enhance Cradle to College Initiative

NATCHITOCHES, Louisiana – Northwestern State University (NSU) Early Childhood Education majors, Taylor Poole and Kaycie Helton, have made commendable contributions to the Cradle to College Early Childhood Service-Learning project. Their recent donations of books and educational supplies, augmented by funds from the International Paper Foundation, are pivotal in creating family literacy bags which will be distributed to local families in Natchitoches.

The Cradle to College initiative is an integral component of NSU’s commitment to addressing educational disparities within Natchitoches Parish. By providing books and supplies, the project aims to enhance the literacy skills of preschool and kindergarten students, particularly those from low-income households. This initiative is designed to fill critical learning gaps, thereby fostering a strong educational foundation for children in the community.

Taylor Poole, a senior from Pollock, spoke passionately about the significance of this service-learning endeavor. “The project means a great deal to me because it allows me to make a tangible difference in young children’s lives while applying the lessons I’ve learned in my education courses,” Poole stated. “Establishing a strong foundation in early literacy is essential not only for academic success but also for a child’s overall development. I take pride in being able to contribute to my community and positively influence a child’s appreciation for learning.”

Kaycie Helton, a fellow Early Childhood Education major from Leesville, echoed Poole’s sentiments, emphasizing the personal and professional fulfillment derived from the project. “Participating in the ECED service-learning initiative has been a valuable opportunity to align my passion for teaching with the pressing needs of our community,” Helton remarked. “This experience has deepened my understanding of how crucial early literacy is for building children’s confidence and curiosity, which are vital for their long-term success. Small acts of service have the potential to create significant impacts and reinforce community ties.”

The ongoing Cradle to College initiative not only emphasizes the involvement of NSU students and faculty in community service but also highlights the importance of collaboration with local organizations and foundations like the International Paper Foundation. The latter has previously provided grants aimed at enhancing resources for the College of Education and Human Development, ultimately benefiting students and faculty alike.

For those interested in contributing to the Cradle to College project or the larger mission of supporting early childhood education in Natchitoches Parish, Dr. Michelle Brunson serves as the project coordinator. She can be contacted via email at faziom@nsula.edu for further information on how to get involved.

This initiative underscores the critical intersection of education, community service, and early childhood development, illustrating how university students can play a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of their communities while gaining invaluable practical experience.