Children are cared for and have fun as they become prepared for school
Young children are our future workforce. Poverty can affect children’s development, their academic success, overall health, and lifetime earning potential – all barriers to economic stability.
Why it matters
Education is a cornerstone for success in school, work and life. Ensuring the babies of Dane County are cared for and have fun as they become prepared for school benefits the whole community. The most formative years in a child’s development are from birth to age five and United Way is there from the beginning, with Born Learning – an initiative that helps parents, grandparents and caregivers turn everyday moments into fun, educational opportunities for young kids.
Young children are our future workforce. Poverty can affect children’s development, their academic success, overall health, and lifetime earning potential – all barriers to economic stability.
WHAT WE WILL ACHIEVE
80% of our 4-year olds will be at age-expected development and ready to begin school by 2020.
KEY TACTICS
- Home Visitation: Parent-Child Home Program The Parent-Child Home Program provides twice-weekly home visits to families with children ages 2 to 4 who are at-risk for not being prepared for kindergarten. 90% of children who complete this program are kindergarten ready.
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire: The Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a developmental screening tool is completed by parents, with the support of an early childhood or other professional as needed. It screens children from 3 months to 5 years old in five areas of development.
- Books for Babies The Books for Babies program provides a board book and information about reading and parents role as their child’s first teacher as well as information about community resources and programs, 2-1-1, an ASQ, a library card application to all babies born in Dane County through our 2 local hospitals: Meriter/Unity Point Health and Dean/St. Mary’s.
Learn more about preparing Dane County’s children for school
Contact: impact@uwdc.org