AUGUST 9, 2017 --- United Way of Champaign County is pleased to announce our 2017-2018 Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar is now available!
United Way’s Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar is a tool designed for 3, 4, and 5 year olds. It runs from September through August; similar to the school year. Each month focuses on a different topic with suggested daily activities based on Illinois Early Learning Standards and strategies developed by early learning experts. It also includes book suggestions and a list of local resources. United Way has published this calendar for the past 11 years.
Thanks to the sponsorship of the East Central Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council, United Way has printed 6,000 copies in English and 500 copies in Spanish – all available FREE of charge. The Spanish language calendar will be available later in August. The calendar is also available for digital download at uwayhelps.org/KindergartenCalendar .
Beverley Baker, Director of Community Impact at United Way, oversees the calendar each year. “The Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar is a daily reminder that our children are constantly learning! Each day it gives parents an idea for an activity – for example, practice zippers, find things in the house that are green, or help your child write the ABC’s. The little activities we do every day play a big role in preparing a child for kindergarten.”
Boosting kindergarten readiness is one of United Way of Champaign County’s Community Goals. A United Way survey of local kindergarten teachers showed 33% of kindergarteners in Champaign County weren’t prepared for the first day school. In some school districts, the number reached 50%. Kindergarten readiness plays a major role in future school success.
How to get a calendar
For Parents
Ask your childcare provider or local library if they have copies. If they do not have copies, call United Way of Champaign County, 217-352-5151.
Digital copies are available for download at www.uwayhelps.org/KindergartenCalendar
For Childcare Providers
Call United Way of Champaign County, 217-352-5151, to arrange pick-up or volunteer delivery. You may also contact Child Care Resource Service at the University of Illinois, 217-333-3252
For School Districts
Call United Way of Champaign County, 217-352-5151, to arrange pick-up or volunteer delivery.
Other Kindergarten Readiness Work
In addition to the Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar, United Way of Champaign County has many initiatives focused on boosting kindergarten readiness. All of these initiatives are funded by the Community Impact Fund, also known as undesignated or unrestricted gifts.
@PreKTipADay
Twitter account tweeting daily activities and tips taken from the Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar.
Day of Action
Over 2,000 preschool books were donated by community members on June 21!
Kindergarten Kit Volunteer Days
Volunteers from local businesses assembled 600 Getting Ready for Kindergarten Kits this summer. Kits are filled with preschool books, a Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar, crayons, markers, activities and more.
Walk as One for Kindergarten Readiness
On September 14 volunteers will go door to door, distributing Getting Ready for Kindergarten Kits to families in Champaign and Urbana.
Born Learning Trail
A playful outdoor trail with guided activities to support early learning. Coming this August to Colbert Park in Savoy, and in September to Beardsley Park in Champaign.
Ready, Set. GROW!
Expo for families with young children held every other April.
Community Impact Fund grants
Awarded to local programs showing measurable outcomes in Education, Health or Financial Stability