Tomorrow?s work force is growing up today in an under-funded, over-scheduled environment ? concerning news to companies like PNC Bank.
“There?s not a job in our company where you don’t have to read or do some basic math,” said Eva Tansky Blum, senior vice president and director of community affairs for PNC Bank. “We have to start early education of our children ? it?s very important to the future of our economy.”
Child education, health and wellness were topics of discussion Friday at the Y of Central Maryland’s annual meeting in Baltimore. Business and civic leaders, along with Y staff and volunteers attended.
The Y is the largest childcare provider in the state, caring for more than 4,000 children each day in preschools and before- and after-school enrichment programs. The Y?s Head Start program also serves about 900 economically disadvantaged preschool children.
“Health and wellness is a big part of what we do,” said John Hoey, president and CEO of the Y of Central Maryland. “We all need to do a better job of focusing on the whole child.”
Childcare and early education has evolved in recent years to focus on test taking, often at the expense of a child’s physical and emotional health, said Dr. David Bromberg, vice chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Mid-Atlantic Region.
“At all ages, we live in a very stressful time, a very hard time,” Bromberg said. “We need to think of some creative solutions.”
For economically disadvantaged children, issues of poor housing and limited access to health care and jobs are concerns, said Dr. Peter Beilenson, Howard County?s health officer.
PNC is committed to helping prepare children at an early age to succeed in school and work, Blum said. The PNC Grow Up Great investment, launched five years ago, is a 10-year, $100 million investment in early childhood education.
The program helps fund pre-school programs to produce smarter and healthier children, families and communities, Blum said. The Grow Up Great program is expected to expand into Maryland later this year.
Smith receives service award
Praised for building new schools, preserving open space and ensuring community access to libraries, community centers and senior centers, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith received the Geraldine Young Distinguished Service to Youth Award Friday from the Y of Central Maryland.”He?s really put families first and kids first,” said John Hoey, president and CEO of the Y of Central Maryland.
