Dear ECSC Community and Early Childhood Advocates,

We are excited to share with you the latest news from the Early Childhood Service Corps and highlight the incredible impact our organization is making in the field of early childhood education!

In a recent Denver 7 News article, we had the privilege of showcasing the inspiring journey of Mike Van Meter, an assistant teacher at Thrive Preschool in Golden. At 78 years old, Mike's story embodies the essence of our mission—to empower older adults to contribute meaningfully to their communities through part-time roles in early childhood education.

"Being part of the ECSC is more than just a job; it's about giving back to my community in a meaningful way," shared Mike, reflecting on his experience with ECSC since re-entering the workforce in 2022 as a substitute teacher.

Since our inception as a state-wide organization, ECSC has trained over 110 older adults as part-time substitute teachers, with many transitioning into full-time roles. Our comprehensive training programs, provided at no cost to participants, ensure that they are well-prepared to support young learners effectively.

As we look ahead to our sixth (!!!) cohort starting in June, we invite individuals who share our passion for early childhood education to consider joining us, especially those in rurual and mountain communities. Whether as a participant, volunteer, or supporter, your involvement is crucial in sustaining our mission. Older adults can sign up here: https://earlychildhoodservicecorps.org/sign-up-1

ECSC relies on grants and donations to provide free training for our Volunteers and Encore Substitutes. We do not receive any funding from the Department of Early Childhood or other government agencies.Your support ensures that we can provide training, resources, and opportunities for older adults to thrive in the education sector. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference in shaping the future of early childhood education and empowering older adults in our communities.

To learn more about ECSC and how you can support our mission, please visit our website or reach out to us directly.

Thank you for being part of our community and for your ongoing support!