Early Childhood

Giving children a strong start—from birth—is one of the Foundation’s highest priorities. Since 2002, the Foundation has been working alongside early childhood partners to create a seamless system of inclusive services to help young children and families thrive.

Over the years, we have administered $10 million in state and private foundation grants to fund preschool programs, social-emotional screenings, home visitation programs, and parenting education.

As part of our leadership, we partner with programs on a number of committees and collaborative efforts, including the Kindergarten Readiness Collective of the United Way of Reno County and Hutch Chamber’s Child Care Task Force. These efforts include advocacy to protect the Children’s Initiatives Fund at the state and develop a financial sustainability plan for early childhood programs in Reno County.

The Foundation has also made significant grants from the Fund for Hutchinson to support local efforts, such as the new Our Redeemer Early Learning Center to provide high-quality, affordable child care for up to 81 children ages 6 weeks to 6 years and the ABC Intervention Program at Horizons Mental Health Center that provides a 12-week high-intensity intervention to families who show signs of significant household stress.

Publications

• ABC Program Making Tales of Success in First Year
• Emanuel Lutheran Preschool Filling Vital Community Need
• Need for Childcare in Hutchinson
• New Day Care Center to Help Fill Community Void
• Early Childhood Issue Brief
• Poverty and Trauma in Reno County Issue Brief

Donor Stories

How You Can Help

Hutchinson Community Foundation holds a field of interest fund for early childhood initiatives. The fund is defined, yet flexible, and allows us to support a specific cause, while still being able to adapt to new needs of the community.