Children’s House reflects on the last year, and reminder of mayoral race closing tomorrow

And still time to vote in the mayoral race before winner chosen tomorrow

||| FROM ADY WALKER for CHILDREN’S HOUSE |||

This month marks the anniversary of our re-opening and I find myself reflecting.

In early summer of 2020, cases were spiking and protests following George Floyd’s death were into their second month. Guidance was changing from health officials at all levels and we had to come up with a plan to re-open safely, with no playbook. We did it. For that I am both proud and grateful. I will be forever grateful to the teachers who chose to come back amid such uncertainty. I am proud of their grace and courage.

It was not an easy year. However, we remained open with some closures due to COVID 19 and staffing. Since re-opening, we have provided over 10,000 hours of care and learning to children and families. Thankfully, we did not have any cases. This is due, in large part, to our community’s approach to the pandemic. Many of you made hard choices and sacrifices this year to keep your community safe. For that I am also grateful.

Since the pandemic thousands of child care providers across the country have shuttered their doors. Open providers experience the loss of revenue and the added expenses that make them vulnerable to closing, operating on very thin margins present even before the pandemic. This has real consequences for families that rely on child care. It also has consequences for young children whose healthy brain growth and development rely on early childhood experiences and relationships.

At Children’s House, two thirds of families receive financial aid in some form. These subsidies and tuition alone do not fully fund the program; we fundraise to make up the difference. Children’s House is fortunate to have the support of the community for the last 50 years. We’re here because islanders like you have invested in Children’s House. You know how important early childhood education and care is for our community.

Today is the perfect time to renew your support of Children’s House by voting for Mayor of Eastsound. The Mayor’s Race is our largest annual fundraiser and light-hearted community tradition. With seven worthy candidates, it may be hard to choose. You can read about them and vote here at orcasmayor.org. Each candidate has a goal of raising $5,000 for Children’s House.

The polls close tomorrow at 1 p.m., so act soon if you want your vote to count. The new Mayor of Eastsound will be announced at 2 p.m. on July 3. I have a feeling that it will be a nail-biter.

We have a year of pandemic preschool under our belts and that makes me feel that we can do just about anything, just like these children building the “tallest tower ever” or..