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MPUSD to Open Preschool Program in Monterey

First State Subsidized Program in Monterey Offered by a School District

The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District will open the Monterey Child Development Center located at 251 Soledad Drive (the former Monte Vista School location) in Monterey on Thursday, January 4, 2024. 

“This is an incredible opportunity for our Monterey community,” said Tia Robinson, Coordinator, Early Childhood Education, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. “The need is there and opening up MPUSD’s fourth location provides transitional kindergarten or kindergarten readiness for children. We are extremely proud to offer the first subsidized preschool in Monterey that is also attached to a school district.” 

Robinson anticipates a strong demand as the district has received an overwhelming amount of inquiries from the workforce and the hospitality industry, as well as the district’s own employee base. Additionally, the district has partnered with the early education community and needs assessment conducted as part of The Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative indicated that in Monterey County there are only enough licensed child care and education spaces to serve 26% of children under five years of age. The aim of Bright Beginnings is to double school readiness countywide with an eye toward narrowing the equity gap.

The Monterey Child Development Center will open one class for children ages three to five years old with the anticipation of another classroom opening in spring 2024. The student to staff ratio is eight to one with one lead teacher and preschool aides. A child must be potty trained. Families can visit www.preschool.mpusd.net to learn more and apply.

Coastal Roots Hospitality announces its 2024 Pick It Up — Pay It Forward Nonprofit Partners

Coastal Roots Hospitality has announced its lineup of nonprofit partners for the highly anticipated 2024 Pick It Up — Pay It Forward campaign. This philanthropic initiative reflects CRH’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community while celebrating its rich culinary heritage.

In collaboration with these esteemed nonprofits, CRH will allocate a specific period of the year to each partner, during which 10 percent of all proceeds from takeout orders at Tarpy's, Montrio and Rio Grill will be donated to support the vital work of chosen organizations.

The 2024 Pick It Up — Pay It Forward partners include the following:

• January/February: Monterey County Rape Crisis Center
• March/April: Seneca — Kinship Center*
• May/June: MY Museum*
• July/August: Community Partnership for Youth
• September/October: CASA of Monterey County*
• November/December: Community Human Services*

*MPCC Member

Coastal Roots Hospitality owner Ken Donkersloot expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming campaign. “These partnerships are part of our company’s spirit of community engagement to help foster healthier and more vibrant communities,” he said. With his wife and co-owner Mona, they strive to build on the CRH motto “Faith, Family, Friends, and Food”.

Happy Holidays from Your MPCC Ambassadors!

Our Chamber Ambassadors are an extension of the MPCC team. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to serving the Monterey County business community and to supporting the MPCC mission.

We were honored to celebrate our Ambassadors with a special holiday luncheon this week at Melville Tavern in downtown Monterey. They make a huge impact on your Chamber and greater community as a result. 

Thank you, Chamber Ambassadors!

Interested in becoming an Ambassador for 2024? We'd love to have you join the Ambassador Committee!

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