Traveling Exhibit Makes Palm Beach County Its First Stop On National Tour

On display at the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum & Learning Center, the exhibit from the Every Child Matters Education Fund aims to make children a national political priority
 
March 13, 2012 - PRLog -- BOYNTON BEACH, FL (March 13, 2012) --   Amid recent political platforms focused on lower taxes, higher gas prices, greater job creation, and more pipeline drilling, the Every Child Matters Education Fund aims to prioritize one crucial political issue: children.

The Washington D.C. based non-profit, non-partisan organization has found its way to the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum & Learning Center in Boynton Beach in the form of an exhibit on display through March 31. This nationally touring exhibit has designated Palm Beach County as its first stop on the tour.

In partnership with the Colors of Life photo contest, the exhibit features powerful photos, chosen by the National Portrait Gallery, which depict children in both positive and challenging social situations. Among the photos are fact-filled banners highlighting U.S. presidents who’ve supported children’s rights throughout the years. According to Michael Petit, president and CEO of Every Child Matters, a dire need exists to refocus and reinvest in children at the political level.

“Kids didn’t crash our economy,” Petit said. “Our purpose is to remind people that national and local investment in children can work.”

An exhibit opening was held at the Schoolhouse Museum on March 8. About 40 community members attended to show their support for children. Among the attendees were County Commissioner Steve Abrams, Boynton Beach Mayor Woodrow Hay, Boynton Beach Vice Mayor Bill Orlove, Suzanne Turner, President and CEO of the Palm Beach County YWCA and Tana Ebbole, CEO of the Children’s Services Council. Abrams, Hay and Turner spoke briefly about the importance of investing in children at the local level.

“Our global economic competitiveness is at stake when more than half a million children annually are abused and neglected; more than seven million children do not have health care; and nearly half of all kindergarten teachers report that at least 50% of their children come to school with problems that hinder their success,” Turner said.

Petit pinpointed South Florida as the debut destination for the exhibit for two primary reasons. First, two major political events will take place on Florida turf this year: the GOP National Convention in Tampa on August 27 and the Final Presidential Debate on November 2 in Boca Raton.  Second, Florida is among the lowest ranked in the country when it comes to addressing the needs of children politically.

“Florida, in particular has too many children left alone after school, neglected, without health insurance, and has one of the most significant abuse problems in the country,” Petit said.

According to Kids Count Data Center, a database that uses hundreds of measures to determine child well-being, Florida is ranked 36th in the country overall in child welfare. Specifically, there were 852,000 children living in poverty in Florida as of 2009 and 261,000 3 to 5-year olds not enrolled in a nursery school, pre-school, or pre-kindergarten education program.

Organizations like the Schoolhouse Museum are working to combat these statistics by providing educational experiences for all children. According to Museum Executive director, Amy Hever, children ages 3 to 5 are particularly important.

“The role of the Schoolhouse is to inspire life-long learning by targeting educational areas that are of great need to our youth,” Hever said.  “The years before a child reaches kindergarten are among the most critical in his or her life to influence learning.”

In addition to the Schoolhouse Museum, the exhibit is currently on display at the Children’s Home Society in West Palm Beach.  It can be viewed at the Schoolhouse by the public with general admission to the Museum. Other local organizations partnering to support the exhibit are Adopt-a-Family, The Arc of Palm Beach County, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, Families First and The Lord’s Place.

CLICK HERE FOR EVENT PHOTOS: (www.photobucket.com/everychildmatters)

About the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum & Learning Center:
Nominated for the 2012 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum & Learning Center engages young children in playful discovery through hands-on, interactive, learning environments that integrate the arts, humanities and sciences in a historical setting.  

The Schoolhouse is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Admission prices are $4 for children ages 1 - 17, $4.50 for seniors, and $5 for adults. Members and children under 1 are free.  The Schoolhouse is located at 129 East Ocean Avenue in downtown Boynton Beach.  For more information, please visit www.schoolhousemuseum.org, or call (561) 742-6780.

About the Every Child Matters Education Fund:
The Every Child Matters Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization working to make children, youth and families a national political priority. We promote the adoption of smart policies for children and youth, including: ensuring that children have access to affordable, comprehensive health care services; expanding early-care and learning opportunities and after-school programs; preventing violence against children in their homes and communities; alleviating child poverty; and addressing the special needs of children with parents in prison. For more information, visit www.everychildmatters.org.

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Experience South Florida's history through 2 floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits for ages 2-12. Learn art, music, the sciences and more through educational programs and special events. Membership and birthday party packages are also available.
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