[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 71 (Tuesday, June 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E941]]



  IN RECOGNITION OF THE EDMONDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTER FOR FAMILIES 
                             GROUNDBREAKING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JAY INSLEE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2002

  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, balancing work and family has become 
increasingly difficult for families across America. One of the greatest 
challenges that many families face is finding safe, affordable 
childcare. It is with these challenges in mind that I am delighted to 
announce that a week from today, on June 11, 2002, Edmonds Community 
College will officially begin construction on their new Center for 
Families. The Center for Families, scheduled to open in September 2003, 
will triple the college's on-site childcare center from about 5,000 to 
15,000 square feet. The Center will also triple its childcare capacity 
for the children of students, including students who are retraining for 
new jobs after unemployment and those participating in welfare-to-work 
programs.
  Moreover, this new center will serve as a training facility for 
future professionals in early childhood education and as a model of 
best practices in parent education, childcare, preschool education 
(including Head Start), and family support. The Center for Families 
will have a Family Resource Center providing a ``one stop'' reference 
service for parents and professionals. Here, families can find the 
resources they need to stay in school and find the best care for their 
children, as well as parenting resources, professional help, and 
support groups.
  The Edmonds Community College Foundation successfully raised $4 
million dollars for this exciting new center from a combination of 
federal, state, county, city, and private funds. The center will bring 
together children from all backgrounds--some have parents who are new 
immigrants, other parents are professionals seeking new job skills, 
while others are transitioning from welfare. As a community resource, 
it will create more graduates who are successful and, ultimately, a 
more educated community.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Edmonds Community College on their wonderful Center for Families. The 
Center for Families will truly be, ``Expanding Childcare, Educating 
Families, Enhancing Community.''

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