United Way's 200K Investment in Literacy Initiatives and Early Brain Development

The United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties – in collaboration with a collective of other Central Ohio United
Ways – earned state biennium budget funding through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The local funding, totaling nearly $200,000 annually for two years, is earmarked to fund programming that supports early brain development, early literacy and kindergarten readiness.

Kerry Pedraza, executive director of The United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties states, “Early childhood experiences from birth to age 8 significantly affect the brain’s development. This development provides the foundation and basis for all future learning behavior and health. A strong foundation helps children develop the skills they need to become well-functioning adults.”

The Springfield City School District engaged United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties with a plan to start both a preschool bootcamp and kindergarten bootcamp.

The camps were designed to allow parents to register their students for the following school year, provide access to necessary screenings, give tours, discuss
key skill students should master before school, and collectively get students families excited about school.

"As we lay the foundation for our students’ futures, it is imperative that we recognize the crucial role of early education in the lives of our youngest learners and their families,” said Dr. Pam Shay, Federal Programs Director of the Springfield City School
District.

“By introducing 3 and 4-year-olds to essential skills needed for school, we
not only prepare them for academic success but also nurture their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Investing in early childhood education is investing in the future of our community, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential."

As a result of this funding, the district was also able to offer additional summer programming called Kiddy Kamp for pre-school children. Kiddy Camp included programming designed to engage children with educational play and take-home
activities.

“Between the Kiddy Camp and the Kindergarten Bootcamp, nearly 250 children were provided with enriching educational experiences,” said Dr. Shay. “Our teams are already planning to expand both these programs for next summer based on the high demand we’ve seen in our community.”

Additionally, as a result of the ODEW funding, United Way was able to support a Kindergarten Readiness Camp at the Champaign Family YMCA, Summer Pre-school and Kindergarten Readiness programs at the New Carlisle Public Library, the St. Paris Library and other supportive programs at the Madison-Champaign ESC, the Madison County Department of Family & Children and the London City Library.

By encouraging the advancement of services that dive into early brain development and early education, United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties hopes to support not-only these children directly impacted by the grant funds, but also future generations of learners.