SUCCESS BY 6®
Giving children a great start.
Recent research has shown how critical the earliest years are in
setting the stage for a lifetime of abilities and skills. This is
so important because children who enter kindergarten behind their
peers tend to lag throughout their school careers. United Way's Success
By 6® initiative focuses on getting children off to a good start,
helping them to be successful in school and, ultimately, in life.
Success By 6® took a great leap forward during the past year,
thanks in large measure to a grant provided by the Department of
Health and Human Services. Twenty-three local childcare centers have
joined in the quality improvement system, and over 150 childcare
providers attended grant-sponsored training. A major effort was also
undertaken to assist parents in teaching their children--with over
5,000 parent resource kits and Baby Bags distributed in the region
and with the sponsorship of a parent education series.
RESOURCES
United Way of Greater St. Joseph's Success By 6® initiative has
a number of resources available for parents or caregivers. Printed
pieces include: a book entitled Children Do Come with Instructions;
a sheet listing important contact numbers in the community; a guide
to developmental milestones; and a growth chart. There is no charge
for any of these materials. Contact bobbie.cronk@stjosephunitedway.org
In addition, our Success By 6® initiative supplies Baby Bags
filled with information and resources to encourage brain development.
These are available through the maternity departments of regional
hospitals. We also make Parent Resource kits available through pediatricians'
offices, childcare programs, Parents As Teachers, and local schools.
Many helpful resources can be downloaded directly from the United
Way of America early childhood site, www.bornlearning.org
PARENTING PROGRAMS
A new series of "Adventures in Parenting" programs will begin in fall. Information about the programs will be posted on the Web site when the schedule has been completed. All sessions are offered free of charge, and childcare is usually available with advance notification. For further information, contact bobbie.cronk@stjosephunitedway.org
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In less than a decade, the Success By 6® initiative in St. Joseph has made significant strides toward its goal of making sure that young children in our community are healthy, nurtured, and ready to succeed.
Health
- Secured the Health Express, a mobile medical unit that provides preventative care for children at childcare centers and schools. Medical services are supplied by Heartland Health.
Promotion of Brain Development
- Provides a Baby Bag filled with information and resources to each new mother in the region.
- Also supplies parent resource kits for toddlers, preschoolers, and incoming kindergarteners.
- Sponsored two comprehensive media campaigns emphasizing the importance of early learning experiences.
- Joined with Parents As Teachers in creating a parent education series, Adventures in Parenting, which is offered each spring and fall.
Early Care and Education
- Has 23 local childcare centers participating in a quality improvement project.
- Provided scholarships to 74 childcare teachers in just the past year. Not only has the education of childcare teachers dramatically improved, but childcare centers are reporting less turnover--providing a more stable environment for the children.
- Supplied technical assistance to childcare centers to assist them in achieving accreditation.
