Early Literacy, the Domino Effect and You

Have you ever set up a chain of dominoes stood on end and toppled the first domino? That domino topples the one next to it, and so on until the entire chain falls. The United Way’s early education initiative works much like the falling domino effect.

Let’s start with four domino pieces. First, education is the key to success in life. Second, early childhood education leads to academic success. Third, early language skills predict the ability to learn to read. Fourth, family income predicts language skills, reading scores and academic performance in general. The first domino sets the chain in motion.

Recent test scores confirm that our early education initiative improved vocabulary scores by an average of five months for every one month a child was exposed to early literacy interventions. Statistically significant reports from Polk County Schools also show that the majority of Let’s Grow children scored ready for kindergarten, had higher language scores and a higher probability of success in reading than a control group who did not receive these services.

Let’s Grow, United Way’s Success By 6 early literacy initiative, was created after an 18-month study involving hundreds of volunteers and experts in the field. National, state and local researchers consistently agree that the roots of academic success or failure are firmly planted in the first five years of a child’s life.

Let’s Grow partners provide literacy camps, parent education and training in childcare centers and family childcare homes serving at-risk kids. Partners test language skills before each intervention and test again after children have participated in language rich activities. Results clearly show that the initiative is working.

We have the power to start a life-changing chain reaction for the children of Polk County. Topple that first domino! Get involved -- Give, Advocate, Volunteer -- LIVE UNITED.

For more information, contact Penny Borgia at penny.borgia@uwcf.org