Explorations V Childrens Museum, Inc.
Mission
The mission of Explorations V Children’s Museum is to provide a hands-on, fun-filled adventure in learning for children and their families through cultural exhibits, educational programs and events in the arts and sciences. In 1991, Explorations V set out to foster creativity & encourage imaginative play among families. Now, over 25 years later it has served over 1.5 million children and families through exhibits, educator-directed programs, outreach, and family support initiatives. THE NEED·50% of Polk County children entering kindergarten are not fully ready to learn. (United Way Central FL; Polk County Public Schools) ·67% of Polk’s students qualify for Free/Reduced Lunches (Polk County School Board May 2014). ·30% of FL households fall short of what’s needed to consistently cover basic costs (ALICE Report-2012) ·Family income is a greater indicator of school success or failure than any factor. (PCSB) - There is a 30 million word gap for children living in low income homes compared to their peers A SOLUTIONA Congressional economic survey found that every $1 invested in a child yields an $8 return. The more the Museum invests in children, the greater return for Central Florida. Children in low income households have a 30 million word gap compared to their peers. The Museum creates engaging learning opportunities and educator-directed experiences that introduce new vocabulary, enforce the ideas, and help the child walk away with new knowledge. Research shows that the stronger the vocabulary going into kindergarten the greater an opportunity for success. In targeted intervention programs like the Museum's Storybook Summer Camp, the Museum sees significant gains. On average, 83% Pre K children and 77% elementary students from low income homes doubled learning gains and met improvement goals measured by national Peabody Testing. Ten years ago, the Museum looked at the family as a whole and learned that poverty in Polk County was often prolonged because of single events. A tire blows out or rent increases and suddenly the family finds themselves homeless or unable to buy food. Children are not imune to these stresses and they contribute to a child's ability to learn and focus in school. The Museum's solution was to create a family budget planning program. Over 850 families have attended the Museum’s Financial Fitness for Families programs to date and work to achieve a $300 savings account and/or improved credit scores, obtained a job credential and/or employment. It is through these highlighted programs, our three floors of interactive exhibits, and outreach to over 100,000 people each year that we serve our mission and the children of Central Florida.
