what is
#75in5?
The United Way and community leaders have set a community-wide goal aiming to raise the percentage of Howard County Kindergartners’ readiness levels from 45% currently to 75% in 5 years (2022).
Our community has noticed that our children are not starting school ready to learn and instead lack key cognitive, social, emotional and language skills that are vital for further brain development.
90% of brain development happens within the first 5 years of a child’s life. These first few years are a time of enormous social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth. Children who are prepared for Kindergarten are less likely to be held back or drop out of school and have a better chance to succeed in college (post-secondary schools), work and life.
BORN LEARNING TRAILS
Children are learning all the time and turning everyday activities into learning moments so let’s make it fun! Born Learning Trails turn those everyday moments into learning experiences. Research has shown that interacting regularly with young children helps them be better prepared to start school. Here in Howard County, we have two Born Learning Trails! Visit them at Pettit Park School on the north side of the building and in Studebaker Park on the south side of the park.
Here is what you can do to help your child
Talking teaches children the richness of language.
Reading is the single most important way to help children get ready to read
Playing teaches children how to think, imagine and express themselves.
Singing is a natural way to teach children words. Don’t worry it doesn’t need to be on key.
Here is what you can do to help your child
Writing is the reading put into action. Children learn important skills by writing and drawing.
Talking teaches children the richness of language. Help your children express themselves through talking and sounding out words.
Reading is the single most important way to help children get ready to read. Read to children consistently to help develop their reading skills.
Playing teaches children how to think, imagine and express themselves.
Singing is a natural way to teach children words. Don’t worry it doesn’t need to be on key. Singing helps them remember words easier as well as keeps them more entertained.
Who's Involved?
Uniform Assessment
Community Mobilization
Quality Early Learning
Family Engagement
The following businesses/organizations have adopted the #75in5 goal as their own:
How can you get involved?
Download our 75in5 Checklist
Download our Kindergarten readiness checklist and help your child develop the needed skills before they start school:
Receive Free Books Monthly
If you know a child under the age of five who lives in Howard or Tipton County, they can receive free books through Imagination Library. Click here to sign up.
Enroll your Child in On My Way Pre-K
Children four years of age can qualify for free high-quality preschool. Click here to learn more!
Donate
Donate to the United Way Campaign and help our programs as well as our funded agencies programs to provide pathways for our children and their families.
Kindergarten Readiness Grant
Do you work with children under the age of 5? Apply for our #75in5 Grant to help grow, stabilize or create a kindergarten readiness program in the communities we serve.
KHCPL Early Learning Calendar of Activities
Check out this month's early learning activities for building new skills every day, right in your home.
VroOm is a free website that allows you to build a customized profile to help build readiness skills in your child. We hope you’ll love it as much as we do!