What happens early in life, lasts a lifetime.
LUME is a catalyst for individuals who think, research, develop, enhance and replicate early childhood concepts in their respective centers and broader communities. Watch these impact stories about how LUME Institute is helping children to thrive and reach their full potential
Three ways your gift helps now:
Professional Development
Our professional development increases access to LUME’s trainings and courses, where educators learn to understand the emotional development of children and use self-reflection to recognize how their own early childhood experiences impact the way they care for and teach children.
Workforce Development
Our Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program offers unemployed and underemployed workers a career path in early childhood education. It was the first coordinated and sustained Department of Labor-registered program of its kind in Missouri and meets the requirements for the Child Development Associate credential.
Family Engagement
LUME’s family education programs help parents and caregivers support their child’s brain development and grow healthy relationships that will last a lifetime. Annually, we reach approximately 78,000 parents and educators across the region through special events, courses and discussion groups.
NAPs Tax Credits
Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits are awarded by the Missouri Department of Economic Development to organizations administering positive youth development programs. For donations of at least $1,000, eligible donors may receive a Missouri tax credit equal to 50% of the amount of the contribution. NAPs are issued on a first come, first served basis. You can save even more by contributing publicly traded stock that has appreciated in value and which you have held for more than one year. This type of contribution will be valued at current market value and you avoid the capital gains tax. Donors that designate an eligible gift and are: corporations, limited liability corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, S-corporations, or individuals who operate a farm, have income from rental property or royalties, or are shareholders in an S-corporation or partners in a Partnership.
