Solano ‘Business Champion’ Gives Kindly to Local Pre-Schoolers

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By Christina Arrostuto

Bryan-Braker Funeral Home President/Owner Craig Bryan comes from a long line of educators. When he heard that Solano businesses are being asked to help children who have never been to preschool, he jumped at the chance. Bryan-Braker donated $400 which will be matched by First 5 Solano to send two youngsters to summer “Pre-Kindergarten Academies.”

Pre-K Academies are hosted by school districts and other providers in every Solano city, and feature both academics and social-emotional development activities that promote school readiness. Studies show that young children without any preschool experience quickly fall behind their classmates, and are more likely to falter in the critical early grades.

“Anything we can do to help young children prepare for the Kindergarten classroom, we want to do,” said Bryan. He heard about the First 5 “Pre-K Business Champions” campaign from his employee, First 5 Commissioner Danny Ayala. Bryan decided to pledge not one but two donations. He urged other businesses to join in the campaign, which aims to collect $200 pledges to help fund 16 summer sessions with a total of 450 spaces for Solano children. Businesses can donate online by visiting www.first5solano.org  or by sending a check by May 27 to First 5 Solano at 601 Texas St., Ste. 210, Fairfield CA 94533.

“Frist 5 Solano is matching every business donation of $200 with $200 in First 5 funding for a child who needs to learn the basics,” said Supervisor Linda Seifert, who chairs the First 5 Commission. “I cannot overstate the importance of a good start for these kids – they will get quality instruction in early reading, math and science, but even more importantly, they will learn to love school, and their parents will be involved from day one with the teachers and the classroom.”

Commissioners got the idea of approaching businesses because the demand for the Pre-K Academies has doubled since last year, exceeding the amounts they had set aside for this program. Solano’s preschool enrollment rate is low compared to other counties, and both parents and local schools are eager to help their incoming Kindergarteners learn the school routine. In addition to daily instruction, Solano Pre-K Academy students will get backpacks filled with carefully selected quality school supplies, donated by “K to College,” a Bay Area nonprofit devoted to promoting academic success. Parent-teacher engagement activities are also included of the mix of services.

Participating businesses will be honored as “Pre-K Business Champions” at the annual First 5-sponsored Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC) breakfast on Wednesday, May 29 from 7:30-9:00 am at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. “This is the fourth year EDC has teamed with First 5 Solano to bring the critical issue of early childhood education to center stage,” Sandy Person, president of Solano EDC said. “Our children’s success in school requires the full support of educators and families, the private sector and local government. Working together, we can help assure a future workforce that will stimulate economic growth across Solano County.”

The Solano EDC Breakfast program also features Jay Speck, Solano County Superintendent of Schools, and Don DuBain, Solano County District Attorney, who will speak about the importance of school attendance. The event is supported by the Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members:  Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District, Syar Industries, Inc., Solano Transportation Authority, Republic Services, Inc. and Solano Garbage Company.

For more information about the First 5 Solano Pre-K Business Champions campaign, contact M. Lynn Hoffman at 707-784.1338 or lmhoffman@solanocounty.com. Tickets to the Solano EDC Breakfast are $25 for EDC members and $35 for non members. To make reservations contact 707 864-1855 or e-mail pat@solanoedc.org.