Seven in 10 children are not ready for kindergarten.
When children attend high-quality early-learning programs and have a solid social-emotional foundation, they will be ready for kindergarten. Quality early learning and family involvement during a child’s first five years is a key factor in future school success. Half of all babies born in the Lehigh Valley live in low-income households with limited access to high-quality early education. As a result of the pandemic, access has become even more limited.
High-quality early learning opportunities are critical for kindergarten readiness and lead to:
- Improved math and language skills
- Healthy development
- Reduced grade repetition
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is looked at as thought leaders by our region’s leading educators. We are nationally recognized for our collaborative work to remove barriers to learning and focus on early literacy to set kids up for success in school and in life.
Early Education Programs Prepare Kids for Kindergarten
A child’s future academic success is greatly impacted by the early education they get during their first five years of life.
At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we help over 700 kids access early childhood education at programs like The Learning Center at Third Street Alliance for Women and Children in Easton.
With the help of United Way supporters, The Learning Center gets children like Madison, Colson and Maddison excited about reading and helps them thrive in literacy and comprehension.
Thanks to donors like you, 91% of children served in United Way-supported early education programs are ready for kindergarten.
“We have seen amazing results. Today, 100% of kindergarteners are able to read above grade level by the end of the year.”
Kathy Bast
Principal of Calypso Elementary School in Bethlehem
Talk Read Sing inspires families to help children develop strong language skills through everyday interactions.
Lehigh Valley Reads supports our community to ensure that all students read on grade level by the end of third grade.
Waterford Upstart is an award-winning early education program that prepares children for kindergarten.
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The Power of Reading: How United Way Community Schools Are Inspiring a Love for Learning
This Read Across America Week, United Way Community Schools are celebrating the power of reading—helping students grow, imagine and succeed.