In a significant stride in expanding early learning education for children and families, Educational Opportunities for Children and Families (EOCF) recently announced the successful acquisition of a $225,000 property in Battle Ground.
The initiative received crucial support from a generous $100,000 grant from the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation Clark County Fund, facilitated through the Community Foundation of Southwest Washington. The partnership also includes the Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church.
“We purchased the land where our existing building sits and have been providing preschool and family support services in this space behind the Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church since 2002,” EOCF’s Christina Monks said. “We are currently operating a Head Start classroom of 18 children.”
The expansion aims to address the growing needs of families in the area, especially amid the ongoing gentrification in Vancouver.
“Longitudinal research has found that children who receive high-quality early learning enter kindergarten with better math, language and social skills,” Monks said. “For the long-term, research has proven that children who receive high-quality early learning services are less likely to be in special education or repeat a grade in school, more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college, less likely to become pregnant as a teen or become involved in a crime, and more likely to be employed and to earn more as an adult.”
The Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP estimates that for every $1 invested in early learning, society receives a $7 return on investment.
“The Battle Ground School District reports that only 63% of children demonstrate kindergarten readiness skills on the WaKids assessment upon entry,” Monks said. “The Hispanic/Latinx population is one of the fastest-growing racial/ethnic groups in the Battle Ground and surrounding community. EOCF plans to serve the needs of the growing Hispanic/Latinx population and narrow the kindergarten readiness gap that exists through the expansion of our holistic programs and services.”
EOCF’s service area spans Clark, Cowlitz and Pacific counties, impacting more than 30,000 families since its inception in 1967. The organization has garnered overwhelming support from the community, with their work being described as “life-changing.” According to a recent survey, 99% of program participants agreed that the programs had a positive impact on their child and family, while 97% believed their child would be ready for kindergarten.
Rekah Strong, CEO of EOCF, expressed gratitude for the support received, saying, “We are grateful for the support of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Community Foundation of Southwest Washington and Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church. Our shared investment into the purchase of land where our modular sits will allow EOCF to continue to make generational impact for children and families in the Battle Ground community into perpetuity.”
As part of its future plans, EOCF is exploring partnership opportunities for constructing a new building and expanding its services. The organization is engaging in discussions with Peggy Sheehan of Prestige Development to potentially combine their services with affordable housing.
For those interested in supporting EOCF’s mission beyond monetary donations, opportunities include engaging with their social media platforms, donating basic needs items such as diapers, wipes and formula, contributing classroom supplies, assisting with facility improvements and volunteering time in the classroom.
EOCF will also be hosting its annual “Color Their Worlds” fundraiser on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at ilani. The event aims to gather additional support for their initiatives and continue making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in Southwest Washington.
Supporters can contribute to EOCF’s mission by visiting eocf wa.org/donate/.
