Our aim is to support high-quality, affordable pre-school for young children from low income families in coastal West Marin and to increase the quality of childcare both at home and at pre-school. Recent studies show that if children are given high-quality care in their earliest years, including attendance at pre-school, their chances of success in school and beyond are highly likely to increase in a variety of ways – emotionally, socially, professionally and academically. Studies also show that when parents have reliable, affordable and quality childcare that fits their work schedules, they are able to contribute more fully to the workforce and their community.
West Marin Fund plans to address early childhood inequities in West Marin through grants and educational workshops over a five-year period. The Fund will work closely with the pre-schools of the area to:
- Improve the availability and quality of childcare for low-income families;
- Build parent knowledge and involvement in the care and education of very young children;
- Bring together diverse partners with a commitment to achieving early childhood equity;
- Increase access to and strengthen existing pre-school services.
This initiative complements and intersects with the vibrant efforts of other nonprofits, local school districts, funders, communities and families, to level the educational playing field in West Marin for all children from cradle to career.
