April in Bloomington is the Month of the Young Child, and United Way of Monroe County has reason to celebrate! By focusing attention on the needs of young children and their families, United Way of Monroe County is investing in the future of our community’s children through several programs and partnerships.
Helping kids enter Kindergarten ready to succeed is crucial to our entire community. United Way believes that one of the building blocks for a better life is supporting a vibrant and strong early childhood experience. Along with local partners we strive to help children start school prepared for success. Visit our Parent Tools page for materials to help you incorporate early learning activities into your daily interactions with your young child
The Born Learning initiative helps the community support early childhood development by providing research-based ways to turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities for young children. You can also experience Born Learning in a fun interactive way at the Born Learning Play Path located on the Clear Creek Trail.
Let’s Read is a partnership with United Way, Monroe Smart Start, WTIU, and Riley Physicians at IU Health focusing on the importance of literacy skills for young children. Through this program, children receive free books and parents receive developmental information from pediatricians and nurses at wellness checks. Materials are also available here to download.
Real Men Read is a volunteer-driven program that brings male mentors from the community into kindergarten classrooms to read a book every month. Children are also given a copy of the book and are encouraged to read it at home and share with their families. Parents can find information and ideas here to help children get the most out of the story while having a ton of fun.
We’ve also developed a Play infographic to highlight (in a playful way) how and why play is so important to developing brains and bodies. Play is an integral part of human development and helps children be school ready. Through play, kids develop skills to interact with others, turn thought into action, and create.
“Children, parents, and our entire community are better off when childcare is both affordable and high quality,” said Barry Lessow, Executive Director of United Way Monroe County. With the support of donors and partners, United Way provides grants to member agencies Monroe County United Ministries’ and New Hope Family Shelter’s quality, low-cost child care programs.
Safe, positive learning environments are key for young children. Thanks to the work of Monroe Smart Start and the investment of United Way and the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, more children than ever are enrolled in these programs. And on April 14, the Early Childhood Education Awards, sponsored by Monroe Smart Start, WTIU, the Community Foundation, and United Way will recognize providers that offer quality care and have made special efforts this year to provide even greater value to their families.