On a recent morning at Cashiers Valley Preschool, a group of four-year-olds gathered in a circle, giggling as they practiced taking turns with a talking stick. What looks like a simple game is actually something greater: children learning how to listen, share, and respect one another. These are the building blocks of empathy, resilience, and lifelong success.
Now imagine if that circle didn’t exist. For many families in Cashiers, our preschool is not just a choice – it’s the only place their children can access high-quality early education in a safe, nurturing environment. Without it, many parents would struggle to work, and children would miss the chance to enter kindergarten confident, curious, and ready to learn.
Decades of research confirm what parents already know: the earliest years are the most important. Ninety percent of brain development happens before age five. What children experience then lays the foundation for everything that comes after.
At Cashiers Valley Preschool, children don’t just learn their ABCs and 123s – they learn how to be part of a community. They practice kindness, problem-solving, and perseverance. They are cared for by teachers who know each child’s name, story, and potential.
As one parent shared: “When my son started here, he struggled with speech and didn’t want to leave my side. Today he sings songs at home, runs to greet his friends, and surprises us with new words every day. This school changed his life – and ours.”
But keeping this preschool strong is a challenge. We are a nonprofit. Tuition alone does not cover the cost of high-quality care. Scholarships are vital, and teacher wages must remain competitive to keep the dedicated staff who make this magic happen. Our classrooms, playground, and resources also need continuous support.
Without community help, this essential resource for Cashiers families is at risk. When you give to Cashiers Valley Preschool, you’re not just supporting a school – you’re investing in future teachers, nurses, firefighters, and small business owners. You’re ensuring every child, regardless of family income, has the chance to thrive.
At Cashiers Valley Preschool, we often say children are like saplings. With care, they grow strong roots that hold steady in life’s storms. But saplings don’t grow alone – they need sun, water, and a forest around them.
That’s where you come in. This preschool belongs to all of us. It’s not just a building – it’s the heart of a compassionate Cashiers. By supporting it, you are giving our children strong roots and bright futures.
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