We are always happy to see Spring arrive after Winter, but this year we are ecstatic that it is Spring for a couple of reasons. First, of course, is that we are starting to get 'back to normal' from the COVID-19 pandemic that has been going on for the past year. Second is that all of the planning that has been happening over the last few years for the expansion of Community Early Childhood Center (CECC) is starting to be set into motion. Together, we have dotted our 'i's and crossed our 't's. We have completed studies, written and received grants and are entering the final phases of fund seeking.
As the CECC enters the second phase of the project, the site has to be evaluated and prepared. Most recently, the rig in the picture above took soil samples to assess the suitability of the soil for the expansion. Soil engineers used the large rig to bore holes in the soil and take samples. The samples are then tested in order to determine the suitability of the soil for construction. Depending on the composition of the soil, the engineers will make recommendations for the best ways to overcome any issues, which could include soil grading, extra drainage and or foundation or earth supports.
The foundation of a building is analogous to the human brain. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't build a building on top of a weak or no foundation and expect the building to hold up or last long. We use data and information; collecting data from soil samples and etc., to determine the best course of action. We use the expertise and science available to build the foundation to ensure it is strong, can support the building's load and to ensure it will last.
Like the engineering and construction disciplines, there is lots of data available that shows that the care and education of children, in the first 3 years especially, sets the foundation for future learning. Children receiving quality care and education, meaning their in their homes and at their child care environments, are ready for school, get better jobs, make more money, pay more in taxes and contribute to their communities. Those that don't receive quality care and education typically are not ready for school, less likely to graduate from high school, are more likely to consume public services and are more likely to be incarcerated. The societal impacts are huge.
With that in mind, it is, and should be, important to all of us that the children of our community have a solid foundation on which to build. All children deserve to have the best start in life, and our communities need them to have it, whether we realize it or not. Child care is one place that we can have a large impact for the children of our community that will have a long-lasting impact on our future citizens and our current workforce. The fact is we can't wait and the addition to
CECC, for which we are all thankful for and looking forward to, will make a small dent in the shortage of child care.
As a community, it is time to take a look around to assess 'How's the soil?'
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