Niagara University Early Childhood Development Community Programs Cited for Excellence
The Niagara County Early Child Care Quality Improvement Project (QIP), an initiative launched by Niagara University in 2010 to enhance early childhood development, was cited for excellence in a comprehensive study released July 16 that assessed the needs of early childhood education in Western New York.
The $350,000 study, commissioned by a group of 25 foundations and organizations known collectively as Liftoff, listed the Niagara QIP as one of six exemplary programs that are doing the most to serve the region’s youngest residents and their families.
More than 300 early childhood experts, providers, government officials, nonprofit executives and staff, members of the philanthropic community and parents were polled for the study by Public Sector Consultants of Lansing, Mich.
“Mounting research indicates that early childhood care and education programs work and are much more effective than later attempts at remediation, so it’s inspiring to see so many stakeholders making it a higher priority,” said Patti Wrobel, executive director of Niagara University’s Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement, which houses the Niagara QIP. “The Niagara County Early Child Care Quality Improvement Project is a shining example of the long-term impact that can be made in our communities if we are collaborative and strategic about our health and education programs for young children.”