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: Ashton

Quality early-learning develops the building blocks for success in elementary school. Research has shown that children receiving high quality childcare are more likely to succeed academically, socially and financially later in life. When 4-year-old Ashton started a Success By 6 early learning program last year, he had a difficult time concentrating on tasks and playing with other children. Instead, he would hide under desks and barely spoke to anyone. Through United Way’s Success By 6 program, Ashton’s teachers worked one-on-one with him, strengthening his social skills and teaching him how to verbalize questions in class. Today, he is more confident in his interactions with other children and is an active participant in the classroom.

Success Story: Claire

The first years of a child’s life are critical to their development and readiness for kindergarten. Helping children build vocabulary and other key literacy skills is crucial to their success both in and out of the classroom. Before 3-year-old Claire began a Success By 6 program, her parents noticed she was having trouble articulating words and communicating with others. Knowing this could present additional challenges for her in the classroom, she began meeting one-on-one with a speech therapist each week. Today, her teachers are amazed at her progress. Claire is now a talkative little girl eager to participate in classroom activities, has an extensive vocabulary and on target for kindergarten.