PARAGOULD, Ark. — Families in Greene County gathered Saturday at First United Methodist Church to explore resources and opportunities for early childhood education.
The event was co-hosted by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Arkansas and the Greene County Community Fund. Organizers invited families to sign up for the Imagination Library program, which provides children up to the age of five with free, age-appropriate books delivered to their homes monthly.
Representatives from Evergreen Learning Center were also present to promote their recently opened, nature-based childcare facility. Kayley Tambling, the owner, and AJ Barnett, the site supervisor, met with families to explain the center’s philosophy. The facility, which opened in June, emphasizes play-based and sensory learning.
“It really builds their communication skills, problem-solving, and different fine motor skills,” Tambling said. “It helps build those skills earlier on to maybe help them develop a little bit faster.”
The event gave families the chance to connect with local education providers and learn about the resources available to support early childhood development.