Success By 6
What is Success By 6?
Success By 6 is a collaboration to build community support for children during the formative years that influence their entire lives - from birth to age six. By bringing all aspects of our community together, we can address the needs of young children and their families so that all children are prepared for success in school and in life.
Why is early learning important?
The first six years are critical. During this time, children learn to think, crawl, walk, talk, feel, express and communicate - everything it takes to be a healthy member of society.
When children receive the right care and nurturing in these first six years, the results can be tremendous. As they grow into teens and adults, they are far less likely to drop out of school, abuse drugs, have health problems or become involved in crime.
Investment in a child’s early years pays dividends for the future of our community. Economic research shows that for every dollar invested in nurturing children, at least two dollars are saved in later social costs. For children in high risk situations, this pay back can be as high as eight to one.*
As you can see, early childhood development benefits an entire community, not just one segment of the population.
*Art Rolnick and Rob Grunewald, “Early Childhood Development: Economic Development with a High Public Return”, (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, 2003)
Our community’s children: A call to action
United Way’s Success By 6 believes that effective parenting can be learned and every child has potential. A strong community builds upon the assets, strengths and capabilities of children and their families. But all of us need to take responsibility.
Help shape the future of the children in our community.
· Increase your understanding of young children's issues.
· Sharpen your parenting skills - Be the Best Parent You Can Be flyers!
· Advocate for children by asking our leaders to make children a top priority
· Volunteer your time to help children develop essential skills.
Click here for The Parent Toolbox calendar
(a list of parent/child activities)
Community solutions- results matter.
Our Success By 6 strategy involves educating the Central Minnesota community about the importance of the early years to future success in school and life.
One aspect is United Way’s partnership with the Dollywood Foundation to bring Central Minnesota the Imagination Library program. It's never too early to prepare children for success in school - and in life - by reading to them every day!
Success By 6 would not be possible without the corporate support of The Bernick Companies and The St.Cloud Times, and from donors like you!