Every child in Douglas County deserves the oportunity to attain their fullest potential, according to Lawrence Central Rotary member Emily Hilding. Hilding is the Development Director for Positive Bright Start (PBS), a non profit organization dedicated to providing specialized early childhood services for children under six and their families. PBS was started in 1972 to address the needs of day care aged children who were not getting services.
Through the years PBS has grown and presently operates five early childhood classrooms and provides therapy services, financial aid and a food program. PBS collaborates with a number of schools and agencies providing services for preschoolers and their families. Hilding has a background of working in early childhood programs, and has served as a coach for teachers and students, utilizing the Positive Behavior Support Model. This model helps children and adults recognize behaviors and provides cues and alternatives to problem behaviors. Positive Bright Start has a staff of twenty-two and is funded by grants and other fundraising efforts.
