The Carrollton Early Childhood PTA (CECPTA) is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to providing activities, support, friendships, and education for parents of children ages newborn through preschool to families in Carrollton, Texas + the surrounding areas.
We are a part of the same network of PTAs that you find in public schools; however, since our children are babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, our focus is geared toward early childhood.
Our entire organization is run by volunteers, and 100% of money raised is used to promote the welfare of area children and their families through parent education and connection, children's programs, family activities, and community outreach to area schools and organizations.
To provide a place of connection, support, and community through fun, friendly and collaborative activities while empowering families and communities to advocate for all children in order to make every child's potential a reality.
Our Guiding Principles
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ONE. Develop between families and the larger community a sense of purpose, service, and respect. |
TWO. Promote a culture of friendship among parents and children. |
THREE. Welcome families to share experiences with others in a similar stage of life. |
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FOUR. Enable parents to become contributing leaders in their communities. |
FIVE. Inspire learning, collaboration, and giving in children. |
SIX. Find optimism amid the challenges of early childhood |
CECPTA Preschool Community Development Grant Our annual grant awards $1,500 to support local educators and create meaningful, innovative, and practical educational experiences for preschool-age children in our community. Recipient projects have ranged from developing outdoor play and learning centers to providing funding for additional classrooms at local preschool centers.
❝I am incredibly grateful. This is going to impact the lives of the Ridge Preschool children, Ridge Church and those of the local community. You're doing a great job!❞ - Lucy Samways, 2020 grant recipient
Child Development
So much of early learning is absorbed through play. We strive to provide our members with a variety of fun, educational and family-enriching experiences that foster a sense of curiosity, inclusion, and support. Some of these learning opportunities include a Makerspace event to explore different art mediums, a Car Show and Derby STEAM event, and an Environmental Awareness event.
Funds help provide an educational event for our children at each Monthly Morning Meetup like music class, story time, or a toddler gym class.
Community Service & Engagement
As a small organization, one of our biggest opportunities for impact is endearing ourselves to the community through engaging activities and events. Some of these events include an educational STEM festival, a community yard sale, and 5k.
We also strive to create consistent service opportunities that benefit our community while encouraging our kids to cultivate a volunteer spirit. These children may be small, but their hearts are mighty. Projects range from park cleanups to hygiene kits for the homeless, to fun runs for charity, and even providing food provision boxes to families in need of assistance.
Parent and Caregiver Resources
One of our endeavors is to provide parents with informative and educational learning opportunities from our community leaders, child experts, and other guest speakers on a variety of parent and child-related topics. These events empower parents with information and resources needed to enrich childhood while fostering friendships and community.
❝CECPTA gave me a family here in Texas after I moved here with a 2-year-old and then had a newborn a few months later. The friends I made gave me the support I needed navigating those early years. I enjoyed the speakers at the meetings that fed my hungry brain as well as that simple coffee-talk beforehand.❞ - Carolyn Zemlick
Community & Family Support
Whether you are raising one or many, being a parent is hard. CECPTA provides community and support during those early years of little sleep and lots of tantrums. CECPTA provides weekly playgroups, Moms Nights Out and many other social opportunities for members to come alongside each other and support one another.
❝I was looking for mom friends. I had recently quit my job to be a SAHM and I needed adults to talk to during the day. I was so lost. Being a new mom is hard. And you should never have to do it alone. CECPTA saved my sanity. <3❞ – Sarah Bennett
To provide a place of connection, support, and community through fun, friendly and collaborative activities while empowering families and communities to advocate for all children in order to make every child's potential a reality.
Vision: To be an inclusive organization where families can find the resources, community, and friendships they need to enjoy the early years.
Guiding Principles:
1. To develop between families and the larger community a sense of purpose, service and respect.
2. To promote a culture of friendship among parents and children.
3. To welcome families to share experiences with others in a similar stage of life.
4. To enable parents to become contributing leaders in their communities.
5. To inspire learning, collaboration, and giving in children.
6. To find optimism amid the challenges of early childhood.
In order to welcome all families - regardless of social or economic status - CECPTA is committed to keeping membership costs to a minimum and therefore relies heavily on our 100% volunteer staff and the generosity of our community partners to fund our programs.
We are currently seeking support for our ongoing operational expenses, including funding and resources for our core programs that focus on Community Service & Engagement, Parent and Caregiver Resources, Child Development, and Community and Family Support (as highlighted above).
Our children are our future. We believe that when you invest in a child, you impact the next generation. Regardless of the number of zeros on your donation, each dollar is a gift that helps to make every child’s potential a reality.
We believe in the powers of community, kindness, and good ‘ole southern hospitality. Raising little humans to become great adults takes a village, and we welcome all who want to make every child's potential a reality.
CECPTA is an inclusive organization that welcomes families of any race, color, composition, national or ethnic origin to all the membership privileges, programs, and activities it offers.
Organization name
Carrollton Early Childhood PTA
Causes
Education - Early Childhood
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Collin, Dallas, Denton
BIPOC Leadership
Neither/None
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
P.O. Box 118160