IBM DONATES 10 “YOUNG EXPLORER” COMPUTERS TO

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Contact: Becca Bishop, Communications Manager
Phone: (719) 884-1414, E-mail: bbishop@cpcd.org

Colorado Springs, CO – October 19, 2011 – As the demand for flexible learning opportunities grows in every level of education, Community Partnership for Child Development (CPCD) is exploring the benefits of computers to early childhood learning. Today it announced the grant of 10 “Young Explorers” computers from IBM, as well as age-appropriate educational games in English and Spanish, for use in CPCD classrooms across Colorado Springs.

These kid-friendly computer units are colorful to naturally attract curious preschoolers, and each has a big, bright screen and bench seat so multiple children can use it at once. The computers are sturdily built to allow for lots of little fingers to press the keyboard for tactile learning. Even more, the award-winning educational software, designed for children ages 3-7, helps kids not only to grow comfortable with computers but also to develop the cognitive and social skills needed to succeed in school in a fun way.

CPCD classrooms will use the “Young Explorers” computers to teach problem solving and the basics of computer technology/terminology; increase social skills as children learn to share time and access to the computer; complement teacher lesson plans to further explore new ideas; strengthen memory and manual dexterity; and increase motor skills, enhanced mathematical thinking and creative thinking.

Since 1986, CPCD has been committed to providing excellent comprehensive early childhood services so that limited-income children in Colorado Springs enter school healthy and ready to succeed. Partnerships like the one with IBM are an integral part of that strategy. Since 2002, IBM has gifted a total of 22 “Young Explorer” computers to CPCD, in addition to 11 computers for CPCD teachers and staff. 

“We are grateful to have IBM as a corporate partner and for the company’s generous donation of 10 more ‘Young Explorer’ computers and educational software,” said CPCD Chief Executive Officer Noreen Landis-Tyson. “These units are a creative and fun way to help our children explore and learn more about computers while also enhancing the social, cognitive and motor skills that are essential for success in school and life.”