Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC) celebrated the return of its volunteer reading program Thursday, with the help of guests from Edgehill, the continuing care retirement community adjacent to CLC’s Palmers Hill Location. The program, which was suspended at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, supports a vibrant community partnership and enhances the mission of CLC to promote early childhood education and ensure children are ready for the future.
Children benefit in countless ways from both reading and intergenerational connections. This program fosters the children’s academic and social development while also offering a fulfilling engagement opportunity for seniors. Edgehill residents visited preschool classrooms and called on wizards, princesses, and talking farm animals to bring stories to life for their captivated audiences. The volunteers also lingered to play games with the children.
“There’s a unique moment for our children when special guests come and focus their attention on storytelling and classroom participation,” said Margo Amgott, CLC’s interim CEO. “But, having observed these moments, I’m not honestly sure who loves it more, our young students or their loving visitors.”
“Edgehill and the CLC have enjoyed a special bond for more than a decade,” said resident and Social Action Committee Chair Karen Joelson, who led the group of volunteers Thursday. “We have missed connecting with the children and are overjoyed to be back in the classroom with them, playing a small but pivotal role in their development.”
CLC welcomes volunteers to support CLC’s activities. For more
information, contact Jennifer Hallissey, Director Strategic Partnerships at jenniferhallissey@clcstamford.org.