WVU Parkersburg’s philosophy states, “Education holds as a sacred trust; its responsibility to assist persons in their quest for fulfilling life and for responsible citizenship in a world characterized by change.” Hence, the institution is highlighting the importance of quality childcare and early education, and its availability to every family regardless of socioeconomic status, with a screening of the documentary film “No Small Matter.” A conversation looking at the state of childcare in the nation as well as the Mid-Ohio Valley will follow.

The event will take place on Monday, Nov. 4, from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m., in Room 102 at the Caperton Center on the main campus, and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

“No Small Matter” dives into the science, history and sociology that molded the childcare system as it is known today and how it impacts a child’s learning and development. This includes how children are shaped by the words they hear in their first months and how often they are held. The ultimate goal of the film is to redefine the audience’s understanding of early childhood education and making it attainable for all.

“By spearheading this conversation, WVU Parkersburg is satisfying a sacred trust, assisting very young children in our community toward a fulfilling life, as we act as responsible citizens to be part of the change,” said Christi Calvert, WVU Parkersburg child development instructor.

WVU Parkersburg leads efforts to improve access to high-quality early childhood instruction by preparing education professionals to enter the field. In April 2019, the college received national recognition from The Best Schools, a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, for offering one of the best online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education degree programs.

Also, WVU Parkersburg offers full and part-time childcare to student-parents, campus employees and the surrounding community at its Center for Early Learning. The center is a one of a kind Child Development Center which focuses on the arts, literacy, culture and technology to teach children in modes beyond the traditional classroom environment.

“The conversation of need for affordable, quality childcare and early education is happening across the nation. Providing a living wage for early childhood professionals is part of this conversation,” Calvert said.

The event is sponsored by the Ross Foundation, McDonough Foundation, Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and the WVU Parkersburg Center for Early Learning.

For more information, contact WVU Parkersburg Executive Director of Civic Engagement and Innovation at senta.goudy@wvup.edu or 304-424-8341. To learn more about the film, visit www.nosmallmatter.com.