UNTIED WAY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Success By Six in Bucks County is part of the largest network of early childhood coalitions in the country. Based on the shared vision that all children should be ready to succeed by the time they enter school, it is community based, public-private partnership of individuals, organizations and systems of care.

United Way cares a great deal about our children. We will actively pursue a number of educational and advocacy efforts to build a community of children who enter school ready to succeed and ready to maximize their true potential.

The 4 Pillars of Success By Six:

I. Access to Health Care

• Making sure children are born healthy and mothers have access to prenatal care
• Ensuring children have access to health & dental care services and immunizations
• Providing children with healthy meals/snacks and opportunities for active play
• Making sure that all families are aware of health insurance coverage availability
• Promoting early identification of developmental delays

II. Quality Early Care and Education

• Raising awareness of the need for quality child care programs
• Educating parents about the importance of quality child care and preschool experiences for their children
• Ensuring access to quality child care and preschool opportunities for all children
• Supporting professional training and development of early care professionals
• Providing interventions for children with barriers to traditional learning

III. Literacy

• Supporting early literacy activities for families and caregivers with their children
• Increasing learning opportunities for children and parents/caregivers through library and community incentive programs
• Establishing a tracking system for literacy progress among young children through preschool, kindergarten and elementary schools

IV. Parenting

• Helping parents make everyday moments “teachable moments” through the Born Learning™ Educational Materials
• Assisting parents with access to services and resources for healthy development of their children ages 0-6
• Identifying programs to support parents in their capacity as role models

For more information or to get involved in United Way's Success by Six Early Childhood Initiative, contact:

Patricia Stern-Smallacombe - pattys@uwbucks.org