Entering kindergarten prepared is a critical academic milestone for young children, and a leading predictor of future academic success. Research shows the earlier in a child’s educational process parent involvement begins, the more powerful the effect. When families are engaged in positive interactions in the school setting before school even begins, they are more likely to feel welcome and remain engaged throughout their child’s educational experience.
United Way Born Learning Academy is a parent engagement initiative designed to engage families with the school system in the earliest years of their child’s education. The academies include six free, monthly workshops that teach parents and caregivers of children from prenatal to 5 years old how to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities. Topics include: Series Overview, How Children Learn, Nutrition & Health, Routines & Learning on the Go, Ready to Read: Building Your Child’s Language Skills and Building Relationships.
“We are now in our seventh year of offering the Born Learning Academy at Beechgrove Elementary School, and we are encouraged by our continued growth throughout the years,” said Julia Goodman, family resource center coordinator, Beechgrove Elementary School, the Born Learning Academy pilot. “Parent involvement has increased because families feel more connected to Beechgrove, thus becoming more involved in their child’s education. Our students are thriving because of positive relationships with all stakeholders: parents, students, community members and educators.”
United Way of Greater Cincinnati – Northern Kentucky with the support of PNC and Toyota announces the 19 area schools hosting Born Learning Academies this fall, starting in September and October:
• A.J. Lindeman Elementary (Erlanger Elsmere)
• Beechgrove Elementary (Kenton County)
• Campbell Ridge Elementary (Campbell County)
• Donald E. Cline Elementary (Campbell County)
• Florence Elementary (Boone County)
• Grandview Elementary (Bellevue Independent)
• Howell Elementary (Erlanger Elsmere)
• J.A. Caywood Elementary (Kenton County)
• John G. Carlisle Elementary (Covington Independent)
• John W. Miles Elementary (Erlanger Elsmere)
• Latonia Elementary (Covington Independent)
• Lincoln Elementary (Dayton Independent)
• Mary A. Goetz Elementary (Ludlow Independent)
• Newport Primary (Newport Independent)
• River Ridge Elementary (Kenton County)
• Ryland Elementary (Kenton County)
• Silver Grove Elementary (Silver Grove Independent)
• Southern Elementary (Pendleton County)
• Williamstown Elementary (Williamstown Independent)
With support of the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood and Toyota, United Way is expanding the Born Learning Academy throughout the state of Kentucky.
“We are excited to see the Born Learning program continue to grow, and to be able to see these children become more prepared for academic success,” said Goodman.
The workshops are at night in local schools, with food and child care provided. For specific start date information, please contact the school in your area.
From United Way