Participants attending the Victory Train Family Night event on February 9 at the First United Methodist Church in Greensboro were met with a busy, educational, fun-filled evening.  

Families with children pre-birth to five years of age gathered to hear about the importance of early education for their children, learning that they are their child’s very first teacher.  The Victory Train (VT) is here to provide parents with the tools and skills they need to prepare their children for school-readiness.

Dr. Joan Antone, a key VT advisor and former Greene County educator, discussed the importance of early childhood testing and results from the first screenings held in February.  Dr. Antone spoke with the families about areas where young children are falling behind, even as early as one year old.

The bestselling book, Zero to Five: 70 Essential Parenting Tips Based on Science, by Tracy Cutchlow, was given away to lucky attendees. Theresa Kemp, Facilitator to the Victory Train, introduced another VT initiative, called Victory Train University, specifically designed for Greene County parents and will be rolled out in the fall of 2017. Cutchlow’s book will serve as an important curriculum item on the agenda.

A new Car was added to the Victory Train track.  Project F.R.E.E (Fostering Relationship & Economic Enrichment) sponsored through the UGA extension office provides free parenting classes for couples and single parents.

Another Car on the Train, Parents as Teachers (PAT), introduced examples of age appropriate child development ideas and activities that can be done in the home to help with early education. PAT provided hands-on fun for the families, helping parents realize that educational opportunities and supplies are found in everyday items in their home.   

After having the opportunity to visit with Ferst Foundation, UGA Project F.R.E.E. and PAT staff, parents and children were given VT tote bags, toys, books, cosmetic gifts, and registered for several raffle prizes, Kemp then welcomed the audience.

She said that parents are the Conductor on the Train and the Primary Educator to their child, and stressed the importance of reading, talking, singing, holding and loving their children.  “During the first three years of life, children learn more than any other time, and the first five years is when the brain learns fastest. Early childhood education is the key. In Greene County, many children are behind when they start pre-k and kindergarten and many are so far behind on the first day of school, they never reach grade level.  In turn, many do not graduate high school, and end up unemployed and living in poverty.”

“Victory Train, in collaboration with twenty-two Greene County partner organizations and schools, believe that our community thrives when our children thrive.  The goal of VT is to give parents and guardians the tools and skills needed to raise happy, healthy and successful children, and to have both parent and child ready when their children start school.  With support of Greene County organizations, the VT is creating pathways of success for both parents and children,” Kemp said.