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RANDOLPH, Nov. 19, 2007 – A new computer system at The Robin’s Nest Child Enrichment Center at Gifford has preschoolers, well, speechless.
Asked how they liked the computer system that was designed especially for their age group and generously donated by IBM, the youngsters were too engrossed in learning reading, math and science in programs like Baley’s Book House, Millie’s Math House and Sammy’s Science to respond.
Their teachers, however, had plenty to say.
“The beauty of this is I lock out everything but what I want them to be learning,” Robin’s Nest preschool teacher Terrie Ashford said.
Free of the flashing pop-up ads and inappropriate material lurking on the Internet, the computer system rather supplies kids simple, educational software and a computer desk, keyboard and mouse made just for little hands.
Allowed 30 minutes a day on the computer, the Robin’s Nest preschoolers are already recognizing letters, sounding out words, counting higher, sharing, taking turns and picking up fine motor skills as well as computer skills they will surely need later in life.
“I think it’s definitely an advantage for our program,” Robin’s Nest Director Susan Mascola said. “Computers are used in the elementary schools, so it’s appropriate that they are developing computer skills in preschool.”
For a generation for which computers in the elementary school classroom are a reality, this gift from IBM also helps bridge the digital divide, or level what is increasingly an electronic playing field.
“All children deserve equal access to resources that are part of the world,” Jan Walker, director of workforce development and quality enhancement for the state’s Child Development Division, said.
It is through Walker’s division that the computers were awarded this year. Gifford’s Robin’s Nest was among 32 child-care sites statewide to receive the computer – a Young Explorer Early Learning Center for children ages 3 to 7 – during the 2007 awards last month. Other local recipients include child-care providers Pam White of West Braintree and Vicki Palmer of Randolph Center.
The centers receiving computers, training and ongoing technical assistance are all part of the state’s STARS (STep Above Recognition System), which recognizes quality by awarding participating child-care programs between one and five stars. Day-care providers receiving computers all have attained three stars or better.
“These computers are made available to programs that have achieved high quality,” Walker said.
While computers don’t necessarily make for a quality program, they are another tool child-care providers can use to teach, said Walker, and thanks to IBM these caregivers and the children they serve now have this tool.
“I am so grateful a company would take this concrete step to support children,” Walker said of IBM’s generosity.
IBM awards the computers nationally. Launched in 1999 in collaboration with the United Way, the company has dubbed its effort the KidSmart Early Learning Program and donated 1,000 computers in 44 states that first year alone.
“Education is the centerpiece of our corporate citizenship programs. It’s how we support our communities,” said Marie Houghton, corporate citizenship and corporate affairs manager at IBM in Essex Junction. “The KidSmart program provides another opportunity for children to learn, helps young children enter school ready to learn and in many cases introduces them to technology for the first time. The ability to use and have access to technology is becoming more and more critical in what is now a global environment.”
The Robin’s Nest was also a previous recipient and now has two computers available to its preschool class.
A complete list of Vermont child-care providers receiving Young Explorer Early Learning Centers from IBM in 2007 follows. Some programs with multiple locations received more than one computer.
Apryl Blake, Windsor
Barbara Burnham, Derby
Bennington County Head Start
Caledonia CREEP
Christine Gifford, Hardwick
Cindy Brier, Barre
Cynthia Houghton, Groton
Donna Dillon, North Troy
Evergreen Preschool, Vergennes
Jacquelyn Myers, Bennington
Jennifer Woodbury, Castleton
Lisa Fuller, Bolton
Lyndonville Child and Family Development Program, Lyndonville
Michelle Myers Prouty, Bennington
Mid Vermont Christian Preschool, Hartford
Mud City Child Care, Morrisville
Pam Pickett, Barre
Pam White, West Braintree
Pine Forest, Burlington
Robin’s Nest at Gifford Medical Center, Randolph
Sara Dennis, Groton
Shelburne Children’s Center, Shelburne
Tearsa Brannock, Fair Haven
Teresa Fowler, Castleton
The Learning Tree, Bennington
Theresa Stevens, St. Johnsbury
Vermont Achievement Center
Vicki Palmer, Randolph Center
Robin’s Nest Child Enrichment Center preschoolers (standing from left) Carter Stratton, Thomas Dubowsky, Alaina Dodge and Cooper Irish and (seated) Matt Lincoln and Macy DeMara crowd around a new children’s computer system donated by IBM.