Did you know that 85% of the brain core structure develops before age five?
In 2007, United Way of Miami-Dade set out on a mission to make a difference in the lives of early learners. That mission led to the opening of the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, an innovative educational and professional learning initiative dedicated to elevating the quality of early care and education in Miami-Dade and beyond. The Center models evidence-based practices through its Demonstration School, Educare of Miami-Dade. Through professional learning programs, the center shares those practices with adult learners including families, educators and early care and education providers. The Center also works with business leaders and lawmakers to raise the standards of early childhood education and support sustainable and lasting change.
At the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, children range in age from six weeks to five years old. Everything from the curriculum to the 12,495 square foot, high-tech facility is designed to stimulate young minds and deepen children’s investigation of the world around them, preparing them cognitively, physically and emotionally to enter school eager and ready to learn.
Ten years and 14,915 children later, the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education’s commitment to students and educators has celebrated many milestones. I was contracted by the good folks at the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education over 7 years ago. I would tape the monthly teacher training sessions back then and I also produced a video of their 5-year anniversary. I’ve been of service to them and the good folks at United Way of Miami-Dade since then and am very proud and humbled to still be of service to them today.
Here’s a short video I shot and edited (written and produced by the lovely and talented Iris Kolaya) that illustrates what this cutting-edge, nationally (and internationally) recognized educational initiative is all about. Enjoy the video, and for more information or to support the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, visit www.unitedwaycfe.org
