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School Readiness

The Mission and Legacy of Compass Early Learning Center

The skills developed at Compass Early Learning Center are for more than just kindergarten preparedness. Children who attend Compass are prepared for the next stages in their academic journey and beyond. As Brittney Denton, Program Director, explained, "[w]e are building the foundation for their educational future".


At Compass, children develop essential school readiness skills by interacting with peers, learning to express themselves, engaging in parallel play, and cooperating with others. The program activities build motor skills and develop early math and literacy abilities, creating a strong foundation for academic success in grade school and beyond.


This focus on early education as a building block for lifelong success is not new to Monroe County United Ministries. A 1944 newspaper article from The World Telephone, published just four years after our founding as the Christian Center, highlighted our mission as "a community effort [...] in the 'guidance of the next generation.'" At the time, our nursery school provided "training, food, rest, medical service, and recreation to twenty-five pre-school children," establishing the foundation for what continues today as the Compass Early Learning Center.


Since our founding as the Bloomington Day Nursery in 1940, our organization has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. Today, Compass serves 94 children ages one to five, emphasizing skills to foster long-term success and fulfillment. As we enter the new year and transition from Monroe County Ministries to Pathways, we are excited to refocus our efforts on early childhood education, concentrating our services exclusively on young children and their families through school readiness and long-term economic mobility.


Click on the button below to learn more about our transition to Pathways:

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What is School Readiness?


School readiness includes the skills that a child needs to develop before entering school to thrive in a learning environment. It goes beyond simply knowing shapes and numbers; it also encompasses self-sufficiency skills (like handwashing and dressing independently), as well as motor skills, social-emotional intelligence, and language development.

The Importance of School Readiness

Skills associated with school readiness not only lead to success in early education but are vital to each child's future success and well-being. Research has shown that strong school readiness skills are associated with higher graduation rates, improved social skills, greater career success, higher salaries, lower rates of incarceration, and improved mental health outcomes throughout life. That is to say that instilling these skills in children is one of the most important things that can be done to aid in their development and lifelong well-being. One of the most effective methods to instill these skills into children is through early education.


To read more on the impacts of school readiness on children throughout life, see the research article listed below.

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Paths to Quality: Level 4

Compass Early Learning Center recently had its annual Paths to Quality Rating and maintained a level 4! Paths to Quality is a voluntary state-wide program with a rating system for early education.


We couldn't have achieved this without the support from our amazing volunteers and donors, thank you!

Click Here To Read More

Items Needed at Compass:

  • Arts & craft supplies
  • Construction paper
  • Non-toxic markers
  • Crayons
  • Stickers
  • Cotton balls
  • Googly eyes
  • Tape
  • Glue sticks


Compass Wishlist 
Arts & Crafts Wishlist 

Sponsor a Compass Family

Supporting a child's education extends beyond the classroom. A child's home environment plays a vital role in their development and future success. By supporting one of our Compass families through sponsorship, you can help foster a more stable environment for learning and growth.

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Compass Early Learning Center Trunk or Treat Event

This month, Compass Early Learning Center will be having its greatly anticipated Trunk or Treat Event on October 25th for its current and past Compass families.


This year, in addition to trunk or treating; this event will include pumpkin decorating, a bounce house, and an apple bar.


We are extremely grateful to all of our volunteers and sponsors. A special thanks to Slaughter Orchard & Cidery and Fowler Pumpkin Patch for their contributions!

Did you know?

Children who attend pre-k are 6% more likely to graduate highschool and 5.5% more likely to attend a four year college.

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Fun Fact

90% of the brain develops before the age of 5!

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Interested in childhood development resources? Explore the CDC's free Childhood Milestone Tracker app below

Click Here

Spreading Holiday Cheer!

At MCUM, we proudly host our annual Family Gift and Food Basket programs to ensure local families can fully enjoy the holiday season. Through these initiatives, dedicated volunteers partner with families in our Compass program to provide them with holiday meals and gifts for their children.



Every child and family deserves a bright and joyful holiday season. Here are some ways you can help make this a reality for our Compass families:

Here

Ways to Give

Most Needed Items


October Pantry Items

  • helper meals
  • peanut butter
  • rice
  • spaghetti sauce/dice tomatoes
  • salted crackers
  • canned soups
  • tuna
  • pasta
  • canned fruit
  • oatmeal/cereal
  • beans
  • feminine hygiene supplies
  • shaving cream
  • disinfectant spray
  • dish sponges


Pantry Items
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Donate and Volunteer

Food Pantry Shifts

  • Monday, Tuesday, and Friday volunteers needed
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Donate

  • online donation link below
  • PayPal donation link below
  • Send cash or check
  • Leave a legacy - email Katie about leaving MCUM in your will
Online
PayPal

Thank you for your support!

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Monroe County United Ministries

827 West 14th Court,

Bloomington, IN 47404

812-339-3429