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About Us
County Impact Statements - Washington County
Character Development is a Constant Reminder
"It’s the Critter Lady!" exclaimed a five year old in Amanda Johnson’s class
at Springdale ABC Head Start School. For the following six Wednesdays "Miss
Catherine - Critter Lady" visited the children with her critters to tell stories
of how each critter learned a different value.
"Character Critters" is an educational program for youth ages 4 & 5 sponsored
by Washington County Extension Service. The program is a part of the Character
Counts, Six Pillars of Character. This particular pre-school program utilizes
six small animals participating in real life situations which show the meaning
of trustworthy, responsibility, respect, fairness, citizenship, and caring. The
emphasis of the program is to impress on youth that these values are practiced
each day and in all of life’s experiences.
Amanda Johnson said, "I believe that our parents need to be reminded of each
of these value everyday and what they stand for. I especially need to remember
how what I say... is what I must do."
Since 1995 character education programs in Washington County reaches out to
parents, adult volunteers, as well as youth ages 4-19. Life skills programs in
money management, nutrition, and parenting will include decision making,
conflict management, and goal setting, which are all a part of character
development.
Pre-school youth listen to hear how Tommy, The Trustworthy
Turtle, gets enough courage to tell his parents what he did at
school.
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Impacts
- In FY 2001, Extension agents conducted 28 pre-school programs on
character education.
- 295 Youth ages 4 & 5 participated in learning the six pillars of
character by identifying with six small critters.
- 23 daycare home providers incorporated the pillars into their home
curriculum
- 289 youth participated in educational programs which targeted basic life
skills, including character & leadership education.
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