FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 8, 2021) – Child Care of Southwest Florida introduced additional STEAM instruction – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math – to students through a generous grant from the Cape Coral Community Foundation.
The STEAM initiative brought hands-on learning opportunities to students in the nonprofit’s pre-Kindergarten program, as well as new curriculum and lesson plans for teachers to implement in their classrooms. STEAM activities were capped with a visit to the IMAG History & Science Center, where students assumed the roles of dinosaur detectives, weather watchers, storybook scientists and workshop entrepreneurs.
“Hands-on learning is critically important for children to grasp advanced concepts in STEAM areas, especially science and engineering,” said Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida. “STEAM instruction has always been a point of emphasis for students in our pre-K program because every concept that students learn now better prepares them for when school starts in the fall.”
Child Care of Southwest Florida developed a comprehensive Focus on Four education initiative to prepare 4-year-olds for kindergarten. Focus on Four concentrates on four pillars of learning: social-emotional skills, literacy and language development, STEM activities and hands-on learning opportunities.
Established in 1973, the Cape Coral Community Foundation’s mission is to stimulate philanthropy that enriches the community and region’s quality of life through lasting and meaningful giving. The organization awards grants to local nonprofits that demonstrate past impact and a strong potential for future impact while striving to meet important community needs.
“The Cape Coral Community Foundation is a proud supporter of Childcare of Southwest Florida,” said Michael Chatman, president and CEO of the Cape Coral Community Foundation. “We are always impressed with their outstanding leadership and community impact.”
For more information about Child Care of Southwest Florida’s giving opportunities, please visit CCSWFL.org/giving or call 239-278-1002.
About Child Care of Southwest Florida
Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. (CCSWFL) is a nonprofit early childhood education provider with five learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties that serve more than 400 children from 6 weeks to 8 years old. Each center is accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Learning Leaders and is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families. All CCSWFL locations have five-star ratings through the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. CCSWFL follows the nationally recognized, research-based Creative Curriculum, with a goal of creating safe, nurturing learning environments that develop young minds, support families, strengthen the community and secure the future. Through its participation in the USDA’s Child Food Care Program, each child has access to a healthy, nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Sponsor, volunteer and donation opportunities are available. For more information, please visit ccswfl.org.
