Changing the Futures of the Young
Supporting Non-Profits that serve working and at-risk families and children in Butte County, CA since 1987
Our Volunteer Board of Directors
Children’s Education Fund [CEF] History
Children’s Education Fund [CEF] History
Dawn Selene - President & CEO
Dawn grew up in Hawthorne, California, and earned degrees in Fine Arts from Mesa College and Child Development from San Diego City College while raising two sons. She taught in San Diego at Mission Bay Montessori School and in the San Diego City Schools child care programs before moving with her family to Chic
Dawn Selene - President & CEO
Dawn grew up in Hawthorne, California, and earned degrees in Fine Arts from Mesa College and Child Development from San Diego City College while raising two sons. She taught in San Diego at Mission Bay Montessori School and in the San Diego City Schools child care programs before moving with her family to Chico. At Chico Community Children's Center she helped develop its Infant Toddler Program, then built a separate Toddler Program with its own budget, staff, building, and play yard, managing everything from enrollment to maintenance. Along the way she was inducted into Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from California State University, Chico. Dawn has served on the CEF board for many years and describes that time as among the best and most challenging of her career.
Richard Roth- Treasure
Richard is a founding member of CEF and has been connected to the land it sits on since before its beginning in 1986. He grew up on a third-generation Kansas farm and spent his first eight years of school in a one-room schoolhouse. He has spent decades working hands-on in food production and the restoration of soil, planetary, and human health. Richard brings to CEF a long-standing interest in how communities can manage shared land and resources together for the public good. He writes some.
Dennis Eicholtz- Secretary
Dennis was born and raised in a working class neighborhood in San Diego. Taking full advantage of the wonderful beaches there, he still managed to graduate from San Diego State University with degrees in History and Comparative Literature. Having completed a multi subject California teaching credential, he eventually settled into a 30 year career at the Chico Community Children’s Center running the School Age Care program and helping low income families become fully productive, working citizens. Now retired for many years, he serves on the Children’s Education Fund board as Secretary.
Haley Shafer
Hayley Shafer has lived in Chico since 2017, and moved up north to attend Chico State. She received her undergraduate degree in public health, and attended San Jose State University to obtain her Master's degree in Public Health. Upon the completion of her degree, she wished to give back to her community, so she joined CEF as a board member.
Oscar Polson
Started as a Youth Advisor to CEF. Our youngest BOD member he is studying Biomedical Engineering at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
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If you have any questions, would like to attend one of our Board Meeting, or tour our facilities please contact us by emailing: childrenseducationfundinc@gmail.com or texting 530-514-0716
Children’s Education Fund [CEF] History
Children’s Education Fund [CEF] History
Children’s Education Fund [CEF] History
Children’s Education Fund was conceived in 1986 when State funded non profit children’s centers across California were closing due to financial stress. CEF was formed from the strong desire to keep these programs viable in Butte County. CEF has held up its mission for 34 years.
CEF began its first round of grants in 1987 with Butte Count
Children’s Education Fund was conceived in 1986 when State funded non profit children’s centers across California were closing due to financial stress. CEF was formed from the strong desire to keep these programs viable in Butte County. CEF has held up its mission for 34 years.
CEF began its first round of grants in 1987 with Butte County Children’s World, Chico Community Children’s Center (4C’s) and Community Action Agency’s Innovative Program.
In addition to normal revenue and fund raising activities, CEF has received block grants through the City of Chico which total more than $170,713.
In 1987 CEF acquired a physical facility consisting of three buildings and land which is located on Elm Street in Chico, CA.
Overview
CEF facilities are secured for the use of non profit educational programs, which benefit low income families, and families at risk. CEF’s acquisition and maintenance of facilities directly supports educational programs serving low income families and families at risk in Butte County, and indirectly supports the wages of dedicated early education program staff, wages which are inherently low considering the rigorous training and education required by the State, quality of work, time demands, and dedication to childhood education.
Since 1987 CEF has leased its Elm Street facility to collaborating nonprofit childcare centers.
CEFprovides and maintains this facility while offering price-stable long-term leasing, at rates much less than market value for similar facilities.
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Our Mission
Children’s Education Fund [CEF] History
Our Mission
Children's Education Fund, Inc. serves underserved individuals, families, and communities by stewarding land, facilities, and shared infrastructure for adaptive charitable use. We support nonprofit organizations and community initiatives through space, resources, and operational backbone — enabling education, care, nourishment, stability
Children's Education Fund, Inc. serves underserved individuals, families, and communities by stewarding land, facilities, and shared infrastructure for adaptive charitable use. We support nonprofit organizations and community initiatives through space, resources, and operational backbone — enabling education, care, nourishment, stability, and resilience across the lifespan. We hold our assets in active public trust, ensuring they remain in productive use for the people and communities who need them most.
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