The ParentChild+ program at Catholic Charities collaborated with the Early Childhood Alliance, the Onondaga County Public Libraries, and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo on Thursday, June 15th to host an event for the graduates and participants of the program. The zoo graciously opened its doors early for ParentChild+ to welcome the families.
When the families arrived, each organization said a few words to welcome them and emphasize the importance of reading with their children. Among those speaking were Sue O’Bryan, the Early Childhood Program Manager and Program Coordinator, and Bethany Creaser, the Executive Director of the ECA.
ParentChild+ families had a great time at the zoo, receiving goody bags while exploring the zoo and listening to Creaser and volunteers read “The Koala Who Could” by Rachel Bright and Jim Field. They also had the opportunity to see the zoo’s newest guests, koalas Kolet and Kumiri! Approximately 18 children who participated in the program attended the event along with their families to celebrate together.
Since ParentChild+ is a home visiting program, it is rare for participants to come together, so the program was truly grateful for the families who could make it to the zoo. For some of the families, it was their first trip to the zoo! The sun was shining, and there were smiles on all the faces in attendance. It was truly a great day to celebrate the participants’ hard work throughout the year.
ParentChild+ is currently enrolling 2-year-olds born between December 2, 2020, and December 1, 2021, for the fall. Please contact Program Coordinators Sue O’Bryan at 315-466-4709 or Katie Rice at 315-800-3026 for more information.