Column: Tim Penny, Guest Column

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation invests nearly 25 percent of its resources in early childhood development. We believe these investments to be a long-term bet on a quality workforce for our 20-county region. One of the tools we use to achieve our goals in early childhood is our AmeriCorps program — a long-standing partnership with ServeMinnesota and the Corporation for Community and National Service.

Over the past three years, a total of 72 AmeriCorps LEAP (Learning Early Achieves Potential) members have worked directly with our young children — most often in Head Start sites and other early childhood centers. They have worked one-on-one with more than 1,000 children to help them increase social- and emotional-regulation skills critical for the rigors of kindergarten and school success.

The AmeriCorps members have provided positive, focused adult support in the classroom for teaching staff. An example of the impact of LEAP members is seen through Minnesota Valley Action Council Head Start Center’s comparison of achievement. After the member’s service to these sites, data collected by teaching staff indicated that scores in the social-emotional capacity areas increased dramatically in students with AmeriCorps members in their classrooms. This results in fewer behavior problems and increased learning.

Last year, 23 sites hosted AmeriCorps members, including Head Start, Child Care Kindergarten Readiness, Early Childhood Family Education, Crisis Nursery and Parent Resource early childhood programs. For the coming school year, there were 20-plus members who applied and were accepted to start their service in September.

Unfortunately, despite effectively managing AmeriCorps for the past 17 years, our funding for the coming cycle did not receive approval. Budget reductions and an increased number of applications contributed to our grant denial — it was an incredibly competitive field with only 53 programs out of 337 receiving continued funding.

However, we are now in the process of negotiating a new AmeriCorps commitment. Thankfully, we’ve been told our application is being re-considered due to additional funds available. We will know for sure later this summer.

We believe strongly that AmeriCorps can remain part of our ongoing early childhood work. In addition to AmeriCorps, we are also committed to other activities related to early childhood education and development.

For example, we will continue to support our 19 early childhood initiative communities and provide grant opportunities that help children learn and succeed. In addition, we will maintain our BookStart grant program, the Young Explorer computer distribution program and Home Visiting grants. We know that these investments are making a difference by preparing our youngest citizens for school success and success in life.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. You can reach me by phone 507-455-3215 or email timp@smifoundation.org.

Tim Penny is the president and CEO of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.