Ready by Five supports 18 organizations that provide 32 different early childhood programs in Kent County.
“Helping to ensure that children prenatal through five years are getting access to services and programs that are going to help them developmentally be ready to learn when they go into kindergarten.”
John Helmholdt is the campaign manager for the millage renewal on the August 6th primary ballot. He’s working to get voters to renew the .25 (point 25) mil property tax for six more years.
“This would simply continue the levy at the same rate, which costs the average homeowner of a $300,000 home $3.13 per month, so it’s a small investment per month that is going to pay dividends down the road.”
Ready by Five supports programs for expectant parents, screenings for developmental issues, child therapy, and play-and-learn groups.
“The only change is that the new ballot language will allow more of the funds to be used for childcare access. That’s really more navigation; that’s not paying for childcare. That’s helping to connect parents with childcare providers.”
Helmholdt reminds voters absentee ballots go out the end of July with early voting in-person the first week of August before the primary election on the sixth.
