The United Way partners with other early childhood initiatives to collaborate and work to ensure that all young children are healthy, developing, and learning
Born Learning
United Way's Early Childhood Initiative
United Way of Wexford-Missaukee is committed to early childhood success. We know that by working toward the success of our young children we are making a lasting impact on their ability to succeed later in life. We also know that by investing resources in children 0-5 , we are saving dollars spent later on rehabilitation, courts, counseling, and more.
Fact Sheet:
Early Childhood Fact Sheet (pdf document)
This fact sheet illustrates the importance of early learning, emphasizing the role adults and caregivers play in creating quality every day early learning moments. Investing resources in early learning means investing in the future of your community, the most important and beneficial investment that can be made.
As many as 46% of children come to school unprepared to learn, with the poorest children starting kindergarten 1-2 years behind their peers in skills critical to school success. Yet, research shows every $1 invested in early childhood saves $17 in the long run through lower crime, fewer teen pregnancies and higher education and earning levels, leading to stronger communities.
Wexford and Missaukee Counties face a developing crisis with more children growing up in poverty and more reported incidences of child abuse and neglect. This is unacceptable and demands our action. We can and must work to improve the situation for our youngest and most precious resource.
Follow this link to see the latest data on local counties in MIchigan from Kids Count: 2009 Kids Count Data Report
Join United Way in action!
Live United by Volunteering , Giving and Advocating for our young children.
United Way in Action:
Visit: Bornlearning.org for information and resources.
Or Contact Lisa at bornlearing@uwwexfordmissaukee.org
- Born Learning Trail- The Born Learning Trail is an interactive set of 10 trail signs and 3 stencils that are installed in parks and along walkways to encourage healthy activity and early learning. The United Way has partnered with the Child Protection Council to offer Born Learning Trails to the community. The Great Parents Coalition adopted a Born Learning Trail project and launched the first BL Trail at Lake Missaukee Beach Park in the summer of 2009! United Way is interested in working with volunteer groups to install two more trails in the community in 2010. Contact Becky Baron at the United Way office at: 231-775-3753 if your group is interested in helping!
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Child Protection Council-
United Way participates on the Wexford-Missaukee Child Protection Council to help prevent child abuse and neglect though education and awareness. The CPC meets monthly on the second Friday of the month at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Cadillac at the Council on Aging Meeting Room. All citizens and organizations are welcome to join. The CPC works throughout the year to promote prevention through professional development, mandated reporter trainings, parental education and support, and youth activities. Contact the Child Protection Council by calling United Way at : 231-775-3753.
- Great Start Collaborative-
United Way is a partner in the Great Start Collaborative. The Wexford Missaukee Area Great Start Collaborative is a partnership of community leaders, business owners, charitable and faith-based organizations, health and human service agencies, educators, and parents. It is committed to establishing and maintaining a comprehensive early childhood system.
Goals of the Great Start Collaborative-
1. Collect community data about children and services to families with young children in our region.
2. Evaluate the infrastructure that is supporting families with children 0 to 5.
3. Develop a long-term strategic plan to address gaps.
4. Promote community awareness and support for early childhood issues.
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Great Start Parent Coalition -
The Great Start Parent Coalition includes parents, grandparents, caregivers and professionals who are involved with young children in Wexford, Missaukee and Northern Osceola counties. The purpose of the Coalition is to increase parent participation in early childhood planning and decision-making.
Early On: Special Services for ages 0-3
- Early On is a network of services for families of children birth to three who have developmental delays, disabilities, or medical conditions
- We are based on a partnership between parents and service providers, helping families find the support they need for their child. The program is established by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law mandating services to children found eligible for special education.
- A parent-centered, parent-driven program
What does Early On offer?
1.Developmental assessments
2. Home visits
3. Speech therapy
4. Occupational therapy
5. Physical therapy
6. Playgroups
7. Connections with other community resources
To Learn more about Early On : Call 231-876-2289 or visit the website at www.wmisd.org/se/eo