While there is good news about the local fundraising effort for children with special needs, there is also a caveat.
The Sunflower Diversified Services campaign to raise funds for its Invest in Kids Club is nearing its $50,000 goal. That’s the good news.
“The caveat is that even when we raise the remaining $5,000, we must keep the momentum alive,” Sunflower Executive Director Jim Johnson said. “Local, state and federal resources have been cut significantly. This has hit us hard and shows no sign of letting up, especially in light of Barton County’s plans to stop all its funding for early education.
“There are fewer resources for children with developmental disabilities and delays,” Johnson continued. “Life is difficult enough for families in this situation and it would be heartbreaking if we have to cut back because of money.”
Half the Invest in Kids proceeds are earmarked for Sunflower’s Incredible Years Preschool, while the other half is for early intervention services at the non-profit agency’s Early Education Center (EEC) for infants and toddlers age birth to 3.
“We have been blessed with a number of very generous gifts but any size donation is needed and appreciated,” Johnson said. “Increasing our membership is important because it is one way to demonstrate the community’s commitment to helping the little ones.”
Cathy Estes, consultant early-childhood director for the EEC and preschool, said the importance of early development cannot be emphasized too strongly.
“The foundation for learning, behavior and health is established during the first three years of life when 85 percent of brain development occurs,” Estes said. ”The development of infants and toddlers can be enhanced and the need for special education later can be alleviated, and in many cases, overcome.”
Research proves that early experiences play a critical role in brain development, and that the brain is strengthened by stable relationships in safe and supportive environments, Estes noted.
“Here at the EEC and IY Preschool we provide opportunities for growth and development from birth to age 5,” Estes continued. “We help parents with their child’s development in their homes or childcare facilities, and offer an incredible preschool experience that includes an excellent pre-kindergarten program.
“Our certified teachers and therapists provide the highest-quality professional services,” she said. “Many local and area families can attest to their children’s progress; I wish everyone could see the world through their eyes.”
 Early intervention services are free to families, while preschool tuition is based on income. “We must rely on the generosity of private donors to provide the youngsters’ excellent outcomes,” Estes commented.
The Invest in Kids Club, which raised $50,000 in 2012, started when local early education supporters formed a committee chaired by Julie Spray. This was a response to Barton County Commissioners cutting Sunflower’s budget for babies and toddlers by $54,000 in 2011.
Fortunately, Johnson said, Barton County restored $25,000 of the funding last year but the committee knew this should be an annual membership drive to support all phases of early education.
And now, because of recent Barton County actions, “we must be even more diligent,” Johnson said. “The commissioners recently cut another $5,000 from our budget, and indicate they will eliminate all early education funding within a few years.
“We understand the limits of tax dollars today but we also know early education saves tax money in the long run,” Johnson emphasized. “Many children we serve do not need expensive special education when they transition into the school system.”
Sunflower has been serving people with disabilities and delays for 47 years in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. For more information about Invest in Kids and other projects, contact Connie Oetken by calling 620-792-1325 or visit www.sunflowerdiv.com.