Enrollment in Point Reyes Station’s preschool, Papermill Creek Children’s Corner, has jumped 50 percent over the past year due to a boost in funding that has allowed subsidies for low-income families. The school’s enrollment stands at 28 students, over half of whom are Latino, according to the preschool’s executive director, Lourdes Romo, who took the helm last May. “I don’t feel that I’ve done anything except just highlight the need for families and children in the community to have access to affordable early childcare,” Ms. Romo said. “The turnout has been amazing.” Nestled beside the Dance Palace, Papermill Creek’s art-filled classroom hosts students from 2 to 5 years old until 3 p.m., with an aftercare program until 5 p.m. So far this year, the three-teacher school has enrolled six students through full scholarships subsidized by the San Rafael-based nonprofit Marin Child Care Council. The council’s funds largely come from a $1.3 million grant from the Marin Community Foundation. The West Marin Fund also gave the preschool a $3,500 grant for new banners and website improvements to create a greater visibility in the community, the fund’s executive director, Catherine Porter, said. “Lourdes is doing a great job cobbling together the funding sources for all the meals and programs at the school,” she said. Ms. Porter said the fund gave an additional $8,000 for new playground equipment and to aid Ms. Romo in her outreach efforts, which Ms. Romo described as a combination of door-to-door fundraising solicitations and collaboration with organizations like the Marin Child Care Council. Community members have also contributed to the preschool’s scholarship and general funds. In all, Ms. Romo said, having more children enrolled at Papermill Creek makes them better prepared for when they enter kindergarten—mostly at Inverness School. “If we want to close the achievement gap, it has to start now,” she said. “It has to start in preschool.”
Preschool expands with funding boosts
