Submitted by admin on
Program will impact 615 preschool children from low-income families
WILMINGTON, DEL – New Castle County Head Start, Inc. preschool students will receive more exposure to science with fun, age-appropriate activities through an extension of a PNC Foundation grant to the Delaware Museum of Natural History. The current grant, totaling $103,000, will support continued teacher training in science education by the museum's experts at nine Head Start centers.
The program will be launched across all nine Head Start centers during the coming month. In total, education and training components will be delivered to 33 classrooms and 615 preschoolers primarily in low-income communities.
For the 2011-2012 school year, the museum is implementing a "mentor-coach" model for training teachers in science at the New Castle County Head Start centers. The museum's Director of Education will provide an initial nine hours of training and resource materials for 113 teachers, supervisors and aides in October and November. The educators will learn how to incorporate simple scientific observation and learning skills into the following curriculum areas: language, mathematics, creative arts, physical health, and emotional and social development. Museum "mentor-coaches" who are already teaching science to children ages 2-5 will then visit classrooms weekly to observe their Head Start peers, make suggestions, and answer questions about effective techniques and science content.
"This program will help build teachers' skills and confidence in delivering science content in ways young children can understand and enjoy," said Halsey Spruance, executive director of the Delaware Museum of Natural History. "The lessons will be reinforced by trips to the museum, parental involvement, and continuing support for Head Start staff. Thanks to the PNC Foundation, we will help lay a foundation of science interest and comprehension for preschoolers that can last a lifetime."
The PNC Foundation provided the grant through its $6 million Grow Up Great with Science initiative, which funds early childhood education at regional science centers and evaluates program success. Recently, PNC announced the $7 million expansion of its initial inquiry-based science program as part of the 10-year, $250 million extension of Grow Up Great. The Delaware Museum of Natural History has participated in the initiative since 2009 in partnership with New Castle County Head Start, Inc. and other centers by developing lesson plans, training teachers, hosting family nights and free admission mornings, providing supplies, and creating outdoor learning environments.
"We have seen many successes from the coaching/mentoring model at Head Start and are confident this program will provide significant improvements and measurable child outcomes in the science domain," commented New Castle County Head Start, Inc. Executive Director Jeffrey E. Benatti. "We look forward to launching the program at all nine Head Start centers, including 33 classrooms and 615 children, in the coming month."
Photo Opportunity
What: Photograph teachers who will be receiving the training and children at a Head Start center. Interviews with New Castle County Head Start, Inc. and Delaware Museum of Natural History educators also available.
To Schedule: Contact Tara Hurlebaus at (302) 593-8447.
About the Delaware Museum of Natural History
As the only natural history museum in Delaware, the Delaware Museum of Natural History opened its doors in 1972 to excite and inform people about the natural world through exploration and discovery. With four decades of experience providing educational programs to the public, the museum is the state's foremost authority on science education for children ages 2-8. World-class scientific collections and natural history exhibits are incorporated into learning opportunities for children, parents, and educators through classes, exhibits, teacher training, and advocacy.
About the PNC Foundation
The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. PNC has extended its signature cause, PNC Grow Up Great, by $250 million over 10 years to enhance early childhood education and school readiness.
About New Castle County Head Start
New Castle County Head Start, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the mental, social, emotional and physical well-being of children and families with limited income in New Castle County, Delaware. The program provides caring, stimulating preschool programs to 615 children and their families at nine centers throughout New Castle County. More information at www.ncchs.org.