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Muhlenberg County board hears SOAR early‑childhood update; foundation awards $311,000
Summary
Board received a presentation on the SOAR early‑childhood program, including a new $311,000 grant from the Philip C. Martin Jr. Foundation, enrollment and outreach figures, and program activities aimed at improving kindergarten readiness.
The Muhlenberg County Board of Education heard an update on the district’s SOAR early‑childhood program on the board’s August meeting, including a $311,000 grant award and program participation statistics.
Vicky Yance, presenting on behalf of SOAR, said the Philip C. Martin Jr. Foundation has provided more than $3.6 million to support early‑childhood initiatives and that the foundation recently approved an additional $311,000 for SOAR. “Children and families participating in the SOAR programs are entering kindergarten more ready, if that's the word, more prepared than those who aren't,” Yance said.
The presentation summarized outreach and services: 1,100 children are enrolled in the Imagination Library program (birth to age 5), the program distributed 20,247 books this year, and the district’s kindergarten readiness screener was reported at about 50% ready compared with a state figure the presenter cited at 48%. Program staff said about 25 birth certificates are filed each month in the county—roughly 300 births a year—underscoring the program’s target population.
Yance described new and continuing initiatives: a “Getting Ready to Welcome Baby” program for expectant parents, a community baby shower that connects families to local services, kindergarten camp that drew a record 245 children this year, sensory‑friendly events and collaboration with regional partners for special needs families, and father‑engagement activities. The presenter credited local libraries, Head Start, healthcare partners and volunteers for supporting events such as Read Across America, family reading nights and book giveaways.
Board members and staff applauded families and local partners highlighted in the presentation. Yance closed by recognizing families with high reading participation and by thanking the Philip C. Martin Jr. Foundation and district staff for support.
The presentation was informational only; no board action or funding change was taken during the meeting.
