Arlitt Center Awarded Additional Grow Up Great Grant From PNC

PNC Bank announced a new $50,000 award to the University of Cincinnati Arlitt Child and Family Research and Education Center as part of its $100 million “PNC Grow Up Great” program. The 10-year program is aimed at better preparing children for school by assisting educational organizations that work with children from birth to age five.

John T. Taylor, president of PNC Bank, Ohio/Northern Kentucky Region, presented the $50,000 ceremonial check to Vicki Carr, director of the Arlitt Center and chair of UC’s early childhood education program, and Lawrence J. Johnson, dean of the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. PNC awarded the Arlitt Center a similar grant of $49,950 in 2004 when the program was first launched across the nation.

“This grant will continue to support our ‘Really Ready to Learn’ project with the Cincinnati Psychoanalytic Institute,” says Carr. “It’s a partnership that explores how teachers and staff can better assist children who may be struggling with social, psychological and emotional issues that interfere with learning. We’re working on a teaching approach that builds confidence and encourages children to learn through problem-solving, hands-on activities and experimentation.”

The Arlitt Child and Family Research Center, founded in 1926 as the UC Nursery School, is one of the oldest demonstration preschools in the United States. It was the first Cincinnati preschool staffed by teachers who were specifically trained in early childhood education.