The Early Childhood Programs in Lawrence are demonstrating very positive results. Evaluations have shown that children who attended the programs entered and exited both kindergarten and first grade at a higher level of success than did other children. And, as second graders, children who had attended the programs performed significantly higher than did other children on the reading diagnostic test.

The oldest graduates from the Early Childhood Program will be beginning their Junior year in High School this fall.

Our Friends of Early Childhood
In 2005 William Dann was named the first, of what we hope to be many, “Friends of Early Childhood Education.”  Mr. Dann has contributed more than $450,000 to the Early Childhood Rediness program, which has seen over 1,200 students benefit from the program. The early childhood programs, which include Parents As Teachers, early childhood special services, and the Early Childhood Educational Readiness preschool, would not exist without the ongoing support and generosity of this community and individuals like William Dann whose gifts makes this program possible.

Bob and Marna Moore have given extraordinary support to the early childhood program.  The Moores are long-time residents of Lawrence. They raised their three children here.  Bob has been in the real estate development business for many years. The Moores believe, as the Foundation does, that a strong quality preschool experience is a necessary foundation for a child’s long-term success in school, and in life.  Bob and Marna Moore are our 2006 Friends of Early Childhood Education.  Their names were added to the plaque that will continue to be displayed at the East Heights Early Childhood Center.

2006 Classroom Dedication
In 2006 we dedicated an early childhood classroom in memory of Prentice Gautt.  Because of William Dann’s desire to honor the legacies of some of Lawrence’s finest citizens he has chosen outstanding educators, like Jesse Milan, Gertrude Ruttan, and Ray Wilbur…  Heroic young people like Brandy Martin and LaTonya Farmer… Outstanding community activists like Judge Jean Shepard, Anna “Petey” Ballard Cerf, and Nancy Shontz…and citizens of great character like Elgin Woody Senior, and our 2006 Early Childhood classroom dedication to Prentice Gautt.