"Bornlearning Program"

What is it?
Bornlearning is an innovative public engagement campaign that helps parents, grandparents, caregivers, and communitites "know how" to create quality early learning strategies for young children that turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities. United Way partnered with the AD Council and Civitas to create this innovative campaign for families and others who care for young children. For a look at the materials visit www.bornlearning.org.

Why early learning matters?
Early childhool education is a foundation for strong schools and a strong economy. It prepares tomorrow's workforce for global competition, while ensuring the children of today's workers enter school ready to succeed. It is critical to economic development and it supports school success. Studies show that children entering kindergarten with skills they need to succeed are more likely to graduate high school and become productive workers. Return on investmetn is especially strong for very young, at-risk children. Community efforts to support their school readiness make business sense.

For Whom?
Bornlearning is for all children birth to five and their caregivers. United Way of Eatsern LaSalle County will target economically disadvantaged children because not all children have the same opportunities. The poorest children start school one to two years behind. Some 46% of America's kindergarteners are coming to school at risk for failure according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Cost?
Free to children birth to five and their caregivers; with the materials provided being tailored to support the local programs United Way is collaborating with. United Way will fund the distribution outreach strategy for the hard-to-reach parents they are targeting.

Program Sponsors?
Bornlearning is a program of United Way of Eastern LaSalle County. This program is being funded through campaign donations to our community impact fund. If you or your company would like to sponsor a specific birth to five group or preschool class we would greatly welcome the extra support and will work with the teacher/leader to provide the resource materials that are the best fit for their individual needs.

How Can I Help?
For more information please contact Michelle Nelson, Program Director, for United Way of Eastern LaSalle County at 815-434-4003.