Beckley, WV (WOAY) – Families in Raleigh County gathered Friday at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center for a Pre-K Expo connecting parents and young children with local education and community resources.
The expo featured representatives from Raleigh County Schools, Head Start, and faith-based and private childcare programs. Community partners were also on hand, including the Beckley Police Department, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and local fire departments.
Michelle Blankenship, the expo’s organizer, said the goal was to give families confidence heading into the preschool decision.
“I want them to walk away today knowing that they have someplace that they can put their child that is safe, that they are comfortable with their child at preschool,” Blankenship said. “Because we know that preschool is early intervention to lead to success later in a child’s life.”
Law enforcement’s presence at the event was also intentional. Sgt. Adkins of the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department said the department values the opportunity to connect with young children in a welcoming setting.
“Well, it’s a big, huge community event. And we like being involved in community, especially with our youth,” Adkins said. “And it also shows with the pre-K students that we’re their friends and we provide resources to the families as well. But we have some coloring books about safety for the kids. They always love that little junior deputy badge, just to build that relationship. And so when they see a uniform, they know they can come to us if they’re in trouble.”
