MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – I’m told by my mother time and time again the hardest part of being a parent is watching your child grow up. If you’re a parent stricken with the same bout of nostalgia for your kid, as I’m sure the majority of you are, then understand you’re not alone.
Personally, I’d beg to differ. I’m not speaking from personal experience, and this frankly goes without saying, but it seems like the older your child gets, the more responsibility builds on the shoulders of the parents. If that was a marketing pitch for Shark Tank, I’m out, and if that line of thinking is not a dead giveaway of my Generation Z tag, I don’t know what could be. Settle down, I’m sure I’ll come to understand as I get older.
Regardless of what side of the coin you fall on; to help out parents who may struggle with the emotional and/or logistical strain of their babies sprouting into kids, the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County has your back.
The coalition is set to host the inaugural “Truckin’ It to Preschool” event, a one-stop shop for parents to learn about the many preschool options available to them in Marion County.
Attendees who wish to enroll their child in a preschool program can receive assistance at the event with applying for Florida’s free Voluntary Prekindergarten program (VPK).
A Help Me Grow Books, Balls, and Blocks activity area will encourage families to complete free developmental milestone screenings for their kids ahead of the start of their educational venture.
Children are strongly encouraged to attend the event, and for good reason–they will have a chance to get up close and personal with their favorite trucks and emergency vehicles on display.
Vendor opportunities are available for preschool providers, nonprofit agencies, and organizations interested in displaying their trucks. For more information, email CommunityRelations@ELC-Marion.org.
The event will take place on Saturday, February 1 at the Silver Springs Shores Community Center. The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A quiet hour for children with sensory sensitivities will begin at 10 a.m.
The Truckin’ It to Preschool event will cap off Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! The initiative, which begins January 27, raises awareness about the importance of reading, inspiring Florida’s students and families to make reading a part of their daily routines.
This year’s theme is “Building Literacy: Constructing the Foundation for Success.” In line with the theme, the first 200 children that show up to the Truckin’ It to Preschool event will receive a free children’s book.