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Serving Callaway County communities since 1875. www.fultonsun.com Sunday, October 08, 2006
Front Page Local News U.S. & World Sports Health News Financial News Archives Classified Ads Regional Classifieds MoDeals Place an Ad Callaway Fair Dear Abby Lottery Local Links General Info Contact Us Home Delivery News Tribune California Democrat	Posted: Thursday, Oct 05, 2006 - 01:30:26 am CDT Email this story Printer friendly version UW invests in future with early childhood program By KIMBERLY LONG The Fulton Sun   For nearly half a century, Callaway County United Way has strived to improve the lives of local residents. This year, the agency is taking its efforts one step further to help secure the future of the community youth. During the kickoff of the agency's annual fundraiser Friday, UW officials will introduce the organization's Born Learning campaign. The program is a national crusade created by United Way of America and other civic organizations to address the importance of early childhood education. By establishing local outlets for the Born Learning initiative, UW officials are continuing their efforts to become an “Impact United Way.” “The Callaway County United Way has undertaken this project to become more involved with our community, shape the future of our community and raise awareness of the importance of early childhood development,” said Peg Dzicek, UW president and coordinator for the Born Learning initiative. Born Learning is a combination of fliers and suggestive information designed to help parents, grandparents and caregivers explore ways to turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities. “Everyday life is a learning experience for children,” explained Kathy Richey Liddle, UW executive director. “Born Learning directs them to activities that they can do with their children on a daily basis to help promote their learning.”   Materials will include information concerning: How children learn; a parents role; basics for new parents; nutrition and learning; everyday activities for fathers; learning on the go; family history projects; a child care checklist and more. To better serve Callaway's diversified community, the information will be offered both in English and Spanish. “It's a fact that children with early childhood education are better prepared for school,” Dzicek noted. “Giving parents the tools they need to guide their child's development is the best investment any community can make, and United Way wants to be a part of that.” The Born Learning program also has gained support from local educators. Fulton Public School superintendent Mark Enderle is a spokesperson for the campaign and plans to promote the initiative during UW's Radiothon. “I think it's a wonderful compliment to the district's Parents As Teacher's program, but actually a little more widespread,” Enderle said. “The materials provided to parents are research-based and proven successful. “I think it's a step in the right direction for our local United Way,” he concluded. Callaway County United Way currently is applying for grants to cover the cost to print the information. Materials will be given to each of UW's 13 agencies on Friday and should be available - at no cost - to the public shortly thereafter, she said. “We hope people will take advantage of this service,” Richey Liddle said. “It's an important step for the future of the youth in our community.” For more information about the Born Learning campaign, call the Callaway County United Way office at (573) 642-0536. Materials also are available for download at the agency's website http://www.callawayunitedway.cvom/BornLearning.htm
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