Critical Focus #1

Leveling the Playing Field: Early Childhood Success

Investing in preschool children is not only a good thing to do; it is also good for the community. Every $1 we spend to help children from birth to five years grow, develop and learn returns $17 in cost savings and tax revenue during their lifetime. United Way-sponsored programs improve access to prenatal and infant care and to quality preschool programs. The goal is to provide young children their best chance to be ready for school.

Success Story: Cynthia

Born with a cleft palate, Cynthia endured years of corrective surgeries. Her early traumas took a toll: When she enrolled in a United Way-funded early learning program, she was painfully shy and refused to look at staff or other children. Her mother, a volunteer at the child care center, has been a faithful attendee at parent meetings where she learned how to redirect Cynthia’s temper tantrums and create effective discipline strategies. Cynthia’s father attends sessions that help fathers and daughters bond while completing an activity. Today, Cynthia talks more, knows the alphabet, can write her name and, loves dancing!