Dear Federal Employee or Retiree,
The first five years of a child’s life comprise the most critical period for development. During this time, 90% of a child’s brain growth occurs, accompanied by the cognitive development that often determines the course of a child’s future. Social interaction with peers and access to early learning and intervention services are crucial in this development. Yet, children with disabilities and/or complex medical conditions often miss out on such experiences. Kennedy Krieger Institute’s PACT is looking to fill that gap.
PACT’s World of Care is Central Maryland’s only accredited medical childcare program, serving children from six weeks to five years of age (pre-kindergarten). All children who attend World of Care have access to daily nursing care and interventions and physical, occupational, speech and/or pet therapies. Additionally, we work with families to ensure they have what they need through support groups and counseling partnerships.
The Early Head Start program at PACT promotes emotional security, health and safety, and the enjoyment of learning by providing support and early childhood education to low-income families with infants and toddlers. We emphasize the importance of nurturing and advocating for children, building skills and confidence in parenting, increasing awareness of and access to community resources and developing life skills that help families to pursue personal and professional growth.
Earlier this year, Kennedy Krieger and PACT recently expanded programming to include an integrated early learning center. It is a new and unique learning center providing comprehensive and family-centered education to children ages 3 to 5. Each classroom features an inclusive environment where typically developing children and children who are neurodiverse can learn together. This model helps to ensure all students are ready for Kindergarten.
Many PACT families would have nowhere else to turn without our programming, but the cost for services outpace insurance reimbursements and subsidized family fees. We rely on the support of donors—like you—to ensure the success of this program.
Thank you for considering this request, and I hope you’ll become a supporter of this mission.
Most Sincerely,
Marcella Frankzcowski
Executive Director and Assistant Vice President
PACT at Kennedy Krieger Institute
