About this Project
The Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC), housed within the College of Education and Human Development, is committed to improving the lives of young children and their families by strengthening early childhood experiences and promoting high-quality early childhood education. Through our daily work, we impact thousands of children who are enrolled in early childhood education settings across Delaware.
We are fundraising to provide "comfort packages" (books, toys, blankets, etc.) to Delaware's most vulnerable young children: those experiencing homelessness or in foster care. In Delaware, up to 3000 children under the age of 6 may experience homelessness at some point in any given year. Over 500 more are in Delaware’s foster care system. Trauma experienced in early childhood can have long-lasting effects including learning challenges and increased health and mental health issues.
Our project will partner DIEEC’s knowledge of evidence-based practices in early childhood development with the expertise of shelter staff and social workers who are keenly familiar with the immediate needs of the young children in the foster care system and temporary shelter facilities.
How your support makes a difference!
Your gift will allow us to purchase books, toys and comfort items such as stuffed animals and blankets, creating comfort packages to be provided to young children who are experiencing homelessness or family instability. Children will be able to keep these items as a source of gentle enjoyment and respite from the stressful situations they are experiencing. The number of comfort packages we provide to local shelters and social workers is only limited by the amount of the donations we receive! Thank you for supporting Delaware’s youngest and most vulnerable community members.
Gifts may also provide general support for the DIECC.
