CiTi BOCES has received a $2,500 grant from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation to support an early childhood learning initiative titled “Oswego County Community Schools: Look at Me, I’m Three!”

The program will offer monthly, one-hour learning sessions for three-year-old children and their parents or caregivers throughout 2026. During the sessions, children will participate in play-based learning activities, while parents and caregivers connect with community partners to receive information and resources focused on child development and school readiness milestones.

The initiative is designed to strengthen early learning opportunities while equipping families with tools to support their child’s development before entering school.

“The Oswego County Community Schools framework is built on the belief that when we collaborate to support families, we empower children to succeed in school,” said Geri Geitner, Oswego County Community Schools Leadership Liaison. “By launching ‘Look at Me, I’m Three!’, we are using Community Schools to build a bridge between home and school early. This grant allows us to create a vital space where families can engage with community partners who specialize in childhood development, with school staff and with each other, ensuring that children in Oswego County have the support they need to thrive when they enter school.”

The Richard S. Shineman Foundation selected the project through its competitive grant process, recognizing its strong community impact and alignment with the foundation’s mission.

The “Look at Me, I’m Three!” program will run throughout 2026 serving families across Oswego County.

For more information about  Oswego County Community Schools programming, contact Geri Geitner at ggeitner@CiTiboces.org.

The mission of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation is to be a catalyst for change to enhance the quality of life in Oswego County. The foundation uses its resources to stimulate economic vitality, encourage strong bonds that strengthen the community, and build the capacity of its not-for-profit partners.