First Up announces Rob Wonderling as its 2018 Champion; Wonderling will be honored at First Up's Champions for Young Children event on October 30, 2018
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FIRST UP (formerly DVAEYC) will honor Rob Wonderling, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, at the First Up Champions for Young Children celebration on October 30, 2018. The event will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA. Tickets are available at www.firstup.org/champions.
First Up is a nonprofit organization that has championed high quality early child care and education in the greater Philadelphia region for more than 50 years. The annual Champions for Young Children event recognizes individuals outside the field of early childhood education who show a deep commitment to the field and the children it serves. Proceeds from the event support First Up initiatives such as best-in-class training programs for early childhood educators and professionals, the PA Early Childhood Fellowship—training a new generation of early childhood leaders, the widely respected First Up annual conference, career advising, leadership development, advocacy training, public policy impact and more.
Wonderling was selected as the 2018 Champions honoree for his outstanding commitment to early childhood education. Under his leadership, the Chamber has expanded its Read to Me early literacy program to positively impact 135 classrooms in 25 schools. Engaging community and business leaders in education, Read to Me connects these leaders with Philadelphia schools by bringing them into classrooms to read, and by providing new and refurbished classroom libraries and book bags to underserved schools.
Wonderling's private-sector executive experience and distinguished public service also gives him a unique understanding of how quality early childhood education contributes to workforce development and regional quality of life factors that promote a thriving business and civic community—issues that he cares deeply about as President and CEO of The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. Wonderling previously served as a Pennsylvania State Senator and the Commonwealth's Deputy Secretary of Transportation, and presently serves on numerous boards including the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Corporate Council, and the Pre-K for PA Leadership Council.
"I am honored to be recognized by First Up as a Champion for Young Children," says Wonderling. "For half a century, First Up has led the charge to raise the quality of early childhood education in our region. Educators, parents and business leaders know that a child's first eight years are a crucial time in their educational development, and that the way children learn before age eight will shape how they develop and learn forever. I believe in First Up's mission, and support their goals through the Chamber's efforts to advocate for funding for Pre-K in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, and to create school environments with resources that give all young children in Philadelphia the opportunity to learn."
In addition to honoring Wonderling, the Champions for Young Children event will feature a presentation by LaTonta Godbolt, a family-based child care provider who has received specialized consulting by Temple University economic students, through an innovative First Up partnership program that has helped her to better run her small business and serve her families, while gaining a deeper understanding of the true costs related to providing quality child care.
"High quality early childhood educational experiences are crucial to children's social and emotional development because in their relationships with family, caregivers, and early childhood professionals, children are learning and practicing the skills they need to play (and work) well with others for the rest of their lives," says Carol Austin, Executive Director of First Up. "Early childhood educators and child care providers like Godbolt play a critical role in shaping children who will grow up to be healthy, productive adults—and that's why Rob Wonderling, business leaders and First Up stakeholders know that supporting high quality early education for all young children is a wise investment that reaps long-term, life-changing rewards."
Learn more about how to support First Up and attend the Champions for Young Children event at http://www.firstup.org/champions.
SOURCE First Up
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