Vermont Business Magazine Burlington's ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, has received a $148,599 Early Learning Initiative grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences. Through this grant, ECHO will partner with Let’s Grow Kids, The Greater Burlington YMCA, The King Street Center and the Burlington Children’s Space to create high-quality curricula, materials and training that will build school science readiness across the state of Vermont. The goal is to improve the quality of Vermont’s early science learning resources. According to a 2014 statewide assessment, less than half of Vermont’s students are proficient in science. Ninety percent of a child’s brain is developed by age five. This crucial time lays the foundation for children to become ready to engage in science in school and in life.
ECHO Executive Director, Phelan Fretz, says, “We plan on applying all we’ve learned in development of our early childhood exhibit, Champ Lane, which opened earlier this year, to the creative, thoughtful and committed community of early childhood educators.”
The two-year project will prepare 1,500 young learners and 100 preschool educators for school science readiness through access to exceptional science materials and programs both at ECHO and in their classrooms. Kyle Dodson, Executive Director of the Greater Burlington YMCA, says, “The Y looks forward continuing our partnership with ECHO to expand the development and delivery of early child science curriculum and services as we support all children in their school-readiness.”
Aly Richards, CEO of the Permanent Fund for Vermont’s Children, says, “ECHO's strengths in early childhood science education will play a critical role in preparing Vermont's young children for school through its state-wide network of services for kids and its professional development for educators." It is through these meaningful collaborations with local educationalleaders that real change occurs in our region and throughout the state.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences The Institute of Museum and Library Services, in its 20th year, is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.
About ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is an innovative science center and lake aquarium located on Burlington, Vermont’s Waterfront. ECHO leverages its unique setting to inspire and engage people to become advocates for a healthier Lake Champlain. ECHO uses its numerous interactive exhibits and animal ambassadors to educate and delight about the Ecology, Culture, History, and Opportunity for stewardship of the Lake Champlain Basin. ECHO is the public face of the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a 2.7 acre campus that also includes the University of Vermont Rubenstein Ecosystem Laboratory and research vessel, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, the Lake Champlain Basin Program, and the Lake Champlain Navy Memorial.
Source: ECHO 10.31.2016