Children’s Learning Centers announced that they are the recipients of a $200,000 grant from Bank of America, through its “Neighborhood Builders” program.
As an awardee, they receive a grant, plus a year of leadership training for Marc Jaffe, the Executive Director, as well as an emerging leader within CLC. Additionally, they will join a network of peer organizations across the US with the opportunity to access capital to expand their impact.
CLC is the second largest provider of early education and care in Connecticut.
CLC typically serves nearly 1,000 children daily, 87% of whom are considered low-income.
As COVID-19 protocols have increased expenses, the Neighborhood Builders funds will be used to support operational costs including PPE for teachers. It will also be used in developing a Blended Pre-K model (distance learning) with a central goal of family engagement while also providing operating flexibility during the pandemic. This will help CLC continue their vision of building a just future where every child and family thrives because of early childhood education.
“America’s early childhood system was fragile and operated on razor thin margins prior to the pandemic. Now extended closures and increased operating costs due to COVID-19 coupled with reduced capacity is pushing the early childhood system that working parents rely on, to the brink of collapse,” said Marc Jaffe in a release. “The Neighborhood Builders grant will have a tremendous impact on CLC and the children we serve and will allow us to continue our mission. Thank you, Bank of America, for your partnership!”