[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 184 (Monday, November 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1458-E1459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING PATHWAYS EARLY EDUCATION CENTER OF IMMOKALEE'S 55TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 18, 2019

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, in recognition of American Education 
Week, I rise today to congratulate Pathways Early Education Center of 
Immokalee on celebrating their 55th anniversary and to commend them for 
their dedication and exemplary service to Southern Florida.
  Originally named Immokalee Child Care Center of Immokalee, Pathways 
Early Education Center of Immokalee was founded in 1962 by members of 
the Church Women United, who recognized a need for childcare facilities 
in their community. At the time, working parents, specifically migrant 
workers, were left with few options for childcare. This led to parents 
having to make a difficult decision--leave their children unattended or 
take them to the fields during the workday. Both options posed 
significant dangers for these children. Knowing that this practice 
cannot continue, dedicated members and community groups worked together 
to raise funds and open a facility, which immediately served twenty-
five children.
  Since its founding, Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee has 
not strayed from its mission of providing quality education and 
developmental services for the children of Southern Florida. Presently, 
Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee serves 125 students from 
diverse backgrounds and continues to grow. Their curriculum centers on 
developing critical social, emotional, linguistic and academic skills 
for their students to ensure that each child has the ability to meet 
age-appropriate milestones. However, understanding that children need 
more than just in-classroom teaching to be successful, Pathways plays 
an active role in supporting children and their families after the 
school day ends. They identify students who need additional assistance 
and partner with agencies who provide them with access to mental health 
services, food and shelter needs, and healthcare options.
  Having had the privilege of working with Pathways Early Education 
Center of Immokalee for a number of years, I continue to be impressed 
by their steadfast commitment to each and every child they teach. It 
cannot be stated enough how important early childhood education 
centers, like Pathways, are for empowering students to reach their full 
potential. I am proud that Florida's 25th Congressional district is 
home to such a dedicated childcare center.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Pathways Early Education 
Center of Immokalee for their fifty-five years of service to Southern 
Florida and the Immokalee community and I ask my colleagues to join me 
in recognizing this remarkable organization.

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