More at Four is a Program Worth Saving

ASHEVILLE – June 2008 - On Friday, June 5th, Eliada Homes for Children held a graduation ceremony for some of the smallest students ever to walk the stage. Eighty-six excited four-year-olds graduated from the agency’s More at Four program, which is a free kindergarten-readiness initiative funded by the State of North Carolina. These young students had a reason to celebrate; according to independent evaluation findings by the FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, children served by More at Four exhibit substantial growth in key areas including language, literacy, math and social skills.

According to Tracey McCrain, Eliada’s Child Development Director, “Most of the kids we serve are low-income. English might not be their first language, or they may have a learning disability that hasn’t been identified yet. More at Four is all about early intervention. With the right support and individual attention, these kids go on to be very successful in kindergarten and beyond.”

More at Four has propelled North Carolina to the top of the pre-kindergarten educational charts. We are one of the top two states nationally for state pre-kindergarten quality standards, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research, including standards such as teacher education and training, class size, staff-child ratio, and early learning standards (www.osr.nc.gov). Yet, as a result of drastic budget cuts, our state may be about to take a giant step backwards. More at Four, although a highly successful program, may not be around for future students in need.

“More at Four Programs have made an amazing difference in the lives of children and families in North Carolina. Children that would never have been able to keep up in elementary school have been given an early start at learning.  They get the chance to connect with health and developmental resources and access special education services,” says McCrain. “ These valued and needed programs give disadvantaged children the opportunity to begin school on a level playing field.”

The consequences of possibly losing the More at Four program are not yet known. Many parents are able to work or pursue an education while their children attend the program; the impact these cuts may have on families could be devastating. Furthermore, an influx of underprepared kindergarten students may overburden an already struggling public school system. However, the effect will be greatest on individual students.

“I wish that the legislators making these changes could have the opportunity to witness the incredible changes that happen as a result of More at Four. If they could only sit in on one of our classrooms and see the impact of this program on our children, I know they wouldn’t cut it,” reflects McCrain. “Investing in our children is an investment in the future. Is that a cut we really want to make?”

About Eliada
Eliada is a 106 year old non-profit agency serving North Carolina’s children and families. Founded in 1903 by Dr. Lucius Compton as a home for women and children, Eliada’s full service continuum includes NAEYC accredited Child Development Services (Pre School, After School, Summer Camp, More at Four); Residential and Day Treatment for children and adolescents; In Home services; Foster Care and Therapeutic Foster Care; and Therapeutic Recreation services. The agency enters its second century with pride, committed to the fulfillment of its mission statement: Helping Children Succeed.