Every day in our music classes for toddlers, babies, big kids, and families, we see (or hear about!) how early childhood education positively impacts a child’s future. We know our early childhood curriculum makes a difference.
However, we also know that too many children start school without an early learning foundation that leads to school and life success.
A new early childhood initiative, Too Small to Fail, focuses on improving the lives of young children. This joint initiative of the Clinton Foundation and Next Generation caught our attention because of their commitment to improving the lives of young children in ways that aligns with our philosophy (and the latest early childhood research!) including:
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Parents are a child’s first and best teacher.
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During the first five years of a child’s life, early childhood education can make a significant difference in the development of the brain.
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Early childhood curriculum that teaches a young child to love learning continues to positively impact the way a child perceives school, including math and science.
See for yourself:
We look forward to watching this new early childhood initiative develop and discovering how we might be a part. You can join in the Too Small to Fail conversation on Facebook – or comment below – to share your ideas or stories of your own experiences with the power and importance of early childhood education.
I love teaching Kindermusik. But I have a problem with the business. It is too expensive to be accessible to those children who are most at risk. Families who can afford nearly $200 a semester for Kindermusik will enrich their child’s life SOME way. If not Kindermusik, then through soccer, gymnastics, art classes, museum classes, etc. I live in a poor community, where 35% of the school population are on reduced or free lunch. These are the children most in need of Kindermusik, but it is out of reach.
How would Kindermusik respond to the charge that it is too expensive to help those children who need it the most?
We completely understand where you are coming from and agree with you that Kindermusik is a phenomenal program that truly enriches lives. We also had a problem with only reaching the children who could afford it. That is why we created ABC Music & Me School Edition. We are targeting the at-risk children you talk about who would not normally be able to afford to take a Kindermusik core class. Instead of the parents and families investing in Kindermusik, the school invests and we train the teachers. It is a WIN WIN.
With that said, we are asking Kindermusik educators like yourself as well as others from across the country spread the word about ABC Music & Me School Edition. We have already been successful in many Head Start Programs, Title 1 at-risk preschool programs and Special Needs classes across the country. If you know of a school or program that might benefit, please give us a call and we can work together to make Kindermusik a reality for all.
Thank you,
Kindermusik International
Kindermusik’s mission is for every child to receive the benefits and power of being in a Kindermusik class with an expert teacher and having unparalleled resources to continue the experience at home. Regretfully, there are many circumstances that may prevent a family from being part of such a supportive, caring community and learning environment.
The Ruth D. Anderson Kindermusik Children’s Fund was designed to provide assistance to children considered to be at-risk financially, physically, emotionally or educationally. Together with our generous Licensed Kindermusik educators, we have provided scholarships to thousands of children over the years. Ruth Anderson, a former VP and employee-owner of Kindermusik International was especially drawn to providing Kindermusik to those who would benefit powerfully but might not otherwise be able to participate. Her collection of stories, Love Everyday, sits on many bookshelves reminding us of the indelible mark Kindermusik has made on these young lives.