Education

Our goal is to increase children's readiness to learn by school entry.

Learning starts long before school does, and the early years of childhood development are critical. Along with our partners, Middlesex United Way's school readiness initiative is working with school systems, early childcare providers, and parents throughout Middlesex County to identify and assist our youngest children who have social and emotional problems before they enter school.

We support programs that assist young children to become school ready and also educate their parents about the important role they play in their child's earliest years. We are currently working with schools in all fifteen of the towns in Middlesex County.

United Way is also a national partner in the Born Learning along with the Ad Council, Civitas, and the Families & Work Institute. Parents and caregivers know the early years are important, but are unsure of how to encourage early learning. Born Learning provides simple activities and ideas to create learning opportunities throughout the day with your child. One of the key tools of Born Learning are the trails, which can be installed in any public setting. Click here to learn more about the trails.

Our Funding Partners:

• Clinton Board of Education - Best Beginnings
• Cromwell Board of Education
• East Haddam Youth & Family Services
• East Hampton Board of Education - Early Links
• Middletown Adult Education - Even Start Family Literacy Program
• Middlesex Hospital - Opportunity Knocks
• Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services
• Portland Youth Services
• Regional School District #4 (Chester, Deep River, Essex)
• Regional School District #13 (Durham-Middlefield)
• Westbrook Public Schools
• Youth & Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth