Success by 6 looking for local funding

Just a year into its work in the Cape Girardeau County area, Success by 6 is about to lose its funding. Success by 6 is doing something with proven, scientific results, something not all grant-funded agencies can say.

The program provides college scholarships, salary reimbursements, travel stipends and other incentives for employees of day-care centers in Cape Girardeau County and Scott City that want to become accredited.

Only one of 55 licensed day cares in the area is accredited, and that's the Center for Child Studies on the Southeast Missouri State University campus.

A study by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education indicates children who attend accredited day-care centers perform better on tests.

Success By 6 is seeking a $65,000 grant from a local organization to keep the program afloat after a Bank of America grant expires in February. An interest in good child care and the future of children should motivate such generosity.