Childcare Resources holds celebration in honor of supporters

“Tonight is about celebrating the successes of the past year, but also about looking forward,” said Jennifer Peshke, newly elected Chair of the Childcare Resources Board of Directors, as she addressed the gathered supporters. “Our programs are only meaningful when they are successful.”

Students in the five-year-old classroom at the Childcare Resources school performed at the celebration.

The celebration of the year’s successes opened with a performance by the Childcare Resources School’s five-year-old class. Students recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang multiple songs. To close the performance, each student introduced themselves and were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, delighting the crowd with answers ranging from “a teacher” to “a dinosaur.”

Following the soon-to-be graduates, outgoing Board chair Jim Beindorf presented the accomplishments of the past year including the success of the recent Starfest luncheon, the nearly four dozen educators enrolled in the organization’s higher education program, and the return of school volunteers to classrooms.

“Our program has grown to serve 159 children directly, and impact nearly 3,000 through our outreach programs,” said Jim Beindorf, highlighting the organization’s impact on the community.

Celebration attendees toured the Childcare Resources School. (L-R): Trish Essick, John Moran, Lauren Moran, Barbie Horton, and Joan Gee.

Peshke introduced three new members of the Board of Directors: Shala Edwards, Executive Director of Treasure Coast Girls Coalition, Megan Knurr, Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor at Northern Trust, and Casey Lunceford, Executive Director of Gifford Youth Orchestra. They join the current Directors in guiding Childcare Resources in support of the organization’s mission to elevate and promote the highest quality early childhood development and education in Indian River County, focusing on economically challenged children and families.

Joining the Childcare Resources board are (L-R) Shala Edwards, Megan Knurr, and Casey Lunceford.

Attendees visited classrooms to earn stamps on a Literacy Adventure Passport (L-R) George and Elke Fetterolf

Emphasizing the theme of looking forward, Peshke also outlined the large projects Childcare Resources will be taking on over the coming months, including a strategic visioning initiative and a collaboration with the University of Florida Lastinger Center. Both projects will help Childcare Resources define the ongoing success of the organization’s whole child development model.

“Childcare Resources is committed to maintaining our programming for children, families, and educators throughout the county,” said Peshke. “We’ve been fortunate to have plenty of success.”