Learning the basics about money is becoming as central to the preschool experience for a growing number of Central Florida students as reciting the alphabet.
Addition Financial Credit Union is one of four partners behind “Adding FUNdamentals – A Financial Literacy Program for Preschools.” The first-of-its kind program in the Orlando area will use specialized curriculum to teach five 30-minute lessons focused on choices, needs versus wants, and giving to a worthy cause. The five lessons are: This or That? Make a Choice; Do I Need What I Want?; A Penny Earned; A Penny Saved; A Penny Shared.
“Bringing financial education and success to everyone is our mission at Addition Financial Credit Union, and no better time to start than when children begin their education journey. We hope providing basics about how we use money, even at a young age, can become as foundational a lesson for young students as learning their numbers and ABC’s,” said Kevin Dougherty, Chief Operating Officer of Addition Financial Credit Union and board member of Early Learning Coalition of Orange County.
Through a partnership with Early Learning Coalition of Orange County (ELCOC), Junior Achievement (JA) and Addition Financial, 15 voluntary pre-kindergarten classrooms in eight Orange County Public schools received playhouses, best known as credit union “branches.”
“We are excited to watch our VPK students begin to learn how to make smart financial choices. Our strong partnerships with the ELCOC, JA and Addition Financial are invaluable to student success. We are grateful for their continued collaboration and support of our schools and innovative programs,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, OCPS superintendent.
The pre-kindergarten students will learn how to count money, manage a cash register and exchange play money for goods rendered in the Addition Financial Credit Union “branches.” The ELCOC secured funding to provide actual items for purchase.
In addition to the playhouses, cash registers, play money and goods for purchase, ELCOC, JA and Addition Financial provided students with new backpacks filled with school supplies.
Delegates from OCPS, ELCOC, JA and Addition Financial kicked off the new program at Washington Shores Primary Learning Center Aug. 29, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and walk through of a classroom with a “branch” to witness the magic of learning through play.
“Our mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed and empower them to own their economic future. Early education is incredibly important for young learners, especially financial literacy. Not only to develop an understanding of dollars, cents, wants and needs, but to develop a positive relationship with money that empowers them as they grow into independence,” said Kate Hammond, Vice President of Education, Junior Achievement of Central Florida.
Soundbites and b-roll available for download
Photos from ribbon cutting and classroom visit available for download