The following is an open letter to the industry by Joanne K. Adams, Executive Director of the Belmont Child Care Association, Inc. (BCCA), a 501 c 3 organization.
Our one-of-a-kind organization is changing lives at the racetrack every day as we continue to expand our programs to better serve our families. This year, BCCA launched BCCA Blooms: Nourishing Mind · Nourishing Body · Nourishing Family to help further our mission. Our goal is to Be Transformative by changing the lives of our families through knowledge and by providing the proper tools for success as we focus on the importance of establishing healthy eating habits, introducing new snack options to our children in an age-appropriate way, and expanding our garden to provide more fresh fruit and vegetables for our families.
BCCA Blooms because the programs we offer at Anna House and Faith's House have become an invaluable resource for the backstretch families and each year we see our children thrive as they continue on their road to success. This year, in its third year of operation, our program at Faith's House is so acclaimed that we are now proud to offer a school-age program during the summer race meet. Thanks to our early childhood education program, Anna House graduates enter the local public school system at the same level as or ahead of their peers. Our program has proven successful as our graduates often earn a spot on the Principal's Honor Roll and are celebrated for showcasing their leadership skills in the classroom. Many of our families speak Spanish as their primary language, so our children are often exposed to English for the first time at Anna House. A recent research study led by an MIT economist established a correlation between preschool-educated children and positive outcomes, which include a boost in high school graduates and college attendance, and a decrease in problematic behavioral issues.
As Anna House celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, BCCA can now follow the long-term effects of providing our students with the foundation for educational success from an early age. One of our earliest graduates, Xochilt, is now preparing to enter college. Xochilt just graduated from high school and plans to attend Northeastern University in the Fall, where she will be pursuing a double major in Civil Engineering and Architectural Studies. Our first Anna House graduate, Jonathan, has thrived in the Thoroughbred racing industry since he graduated from high school. Last year, we were so proud to see him recognized with the Godolphin Newcomer Award, sponsored by NYRA. Both Xochilt and Jonathan participated in BCCA's early childhood education and school-age programs.
How do contributions make a great impact on our enrichment programs? Outside of academics, BCCA offers an Integrated Arts curriculum in music, art, and dance. Our students are provided with an opportunity to expand their perspectives by working in different disciplines to foster development, social and emotional skills, and increase mindfulness. Lourdes always loved art classes at Anna House and decided at a very young age that she wanted to become an artist. Lourdes, now in sixth grade, recently had her art exhibited at the Long Island Children's Museum. Her piece was influenced by the Aztec culture and she created it using mixed media of copper and metal. Lourdes loves fashion and sketching designs, especially Japanese Lolita dresses. She often uses her free time to sketch and draw and her greatest wish is to become a fashion designer.
BCCA's annual Racing for the Children dinner and auction, BCCA Can Do–“We got the horse right here!” honoring Barbara R Banke will be held August 24th at Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs, NY, two days before the Travers S. BCCA will recognize LSU Stables with a Humanitarian Award and we invite you to join us and Think BIG for BCCA at any level because when we come together, we can make a great impact on the lives of our children and their families. To learn more about our event and our programs, please visit us at www.belmontchildcare.org.
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