Invest in Success Early Childhood Education Prorgam
When Beth received a new book, her face lit up “like it was Christmas,” recalled Liz Harbin, former Invest in Success Program Director. For Liz, the experience of seeing a child benefit from a collaborative community sponsored book distribution program is unforgettable. According to Liz, Beth’s parents spend most of their income on special equipment for their daughter who has severe disabilities and must use a wheel chair. “There’s not much left over for extras, like a new book,” explained Liz.
Today, 46 percent of kindergartners enter school at risk for failure.
"the experience of seeing a child benefit from a collaborative
community sponsored book supply drive…is unforgettable."
In 2008, United Way of Southern Kentucky was awarded $50,000 in funding by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky to launch the early childhood impact initiative, Invest in Success. Invest in Success is a community driven early childhood education program designed to complement the early childhood education efforts already in place in the community. Specific service needs will continue to be determined based upon asset mapping of current available resources and other pertinent data and statistics. Program elements will be designed to increase child development and to increase opportunities for early education and literacy programs throughout the Bowling Green-Warren County area.
Research shows that investing $1 in quality early learning experiences saves $17 down the road, with tangible results measured in lower crime, fewer single parents, and higher individual earnings and education levels.
Children with better-quality early education have stronger language, pre-mathematics and social skills.
Children in Southern Kentucky are not alone. Because of poverty and other family challenges, many children across our country go to school lacking the basic tools needed to become sucessful and productive adults. By working together with the community, United Way impacts the lives of children and families across the country. Your United Way contribution, in time or money, is an investment in children, and together we can achieve lasting results. It takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future.
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Allen County Schools New Pre-School Classroom
Through a collaborative effort, United Way and Allen County Schools secured funding from the Laura Goad Turner Foundation to add a new preschool classroom for twenty four year olds from low-income families. The additional classroom will be targeted to serve those residents who do not qualify for other free preschool services currently available in the community, but cannot afford to pay for such services. The classroom will operate on the same schedule as other current free preschool classrooms in the school system, 4 days per week, nine months per year. Transportation services will also be available. The new classroom opened in September 2008.