St. Martha's Early Learning Center

Program hopes to provide scholarships to students

 

Sarasota—Catering to low-income families, St. Martha’s Early Learning Center of Catholic Charities is preparing young students for kindergarten. The center teaches essential reading, writing, math and computer skills which are vital for success in elementary school.

 

“Every child deserves a chance to have a good start in life, no matter what income level they come from,” said Jer-Rika Green, Program Director for St. Martha’s Early Learning Center. “We offer high quality care at an affordable price.”

 

Other aspects of the program include the development of fine and gross motor skills, and social and emotional skills, along with nutrition activities, and outdoor play time. Staff members from the Selby Library of Sarasota County also visit the center once a month to provide special story times, puppet shows, and musical activities.

 

The center is in need of student scholarships for families who cannot afford to keep their children at the school for the entire day. Voluntary Pre Kindergarten (VPK) is a program funded by the state for all children who live in Florida to attend preschool from 9 a.m. until noon. Many of the low-income students at St. Martha’s are part of the VPK program but cannot pay the cost of staying at the center for the afternoon.

 

“The parents of these children are hard-working people that want the best for their children and cannot afford the extended care,” said Green. “The center is the best place for the children to be during the day. The alternative usually does not provide proper stimulation and quality nutrition.”

 

St. Martha’s provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack to the students through a USDA funded food program. “The food is so important. Many students would go without the food if they were not here at school,” said Green. “They need nutrition in order to learn.”

 

A food pantry is available to all families at the center. Food is purchased from All Faiths Food Bank. “The majority of our families take a box of food home every Friday,” Green said. “We are in need of donations to purchase items for our food pantry.”

 

St. Martha’s Early Learning Center has received a Four-Star ranking from the Early Learning Coalition Look for the Stars Program. “We are very proud of the quality of services we offer the children who attend our preschool,” Green said. “We want every child to have the opportunity to take part in a full day of learning and fun.”

 

Anyone who is interested in providing a donation for student scholarships or the food pantry can contact Jer-Rika Green at St. Martha’s Early Learning Center at 941-366-1395 or stmarthas@verizon.net.

 

 Photo: Students at St. Martha’s Early Learning Center of Catholic Charities enjoy snack time.