GOAL:  Increase Kindergarten Readiness

WHY IT MATTERS

Ensuring children are school ready can increase future graduation rates and labor force participation, as well as lower future crime rates and welfare use.  The first three years of a child's life are the most critical for brain development and lays the foundation for all future learning.  We believe we can make a long-term impact on young children through higher quality and access of early care, consistent assessment of the development of young children, stronger collaboration between the many organizations that work with kids, and broader community awareness of the value of investing in our youngest residents. 

COMMUNITY FACTS

• In 2010, 18.7% of children under 18 years of age lived at or below the poverty level
• At age 3, a child in poverty knows ½ the words of a child in an upper income home
• In 2010-2011, one in seven Marathon County students scored below a proficient level in reading

OUR RESPONSE

• Lead the Marathon County Early Years Coalition in partnersip with the Marathon County Health Department
• Fund access to quality child care and parent education and promote social/emotional education

RESULTS

• 93% of low income children enrolled in subsidized child care are developing on track
• 100% of parents participating in education and support group-based programs indicate an increase in positive parenting knowledge/techniques how to support their children’s school success

For more information on United Way's efforts to support young children and their families in Marathon County, please contact Deanna Schuette at 715-848-2927 or dschuette@unitedwaymc.org.

Early Years Impact Team

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