Dear Reader,

Enclosed is an article about how investments in United Way are making a difference in the lives of individuals in our area. Thank you for your continued interest in United Way of Westmoreland County's news service.

We are proud to share with you this week an article about United Way's commitment to providing resources for those who need the most support in our area.

Bridging the Education Gap in Derry and Greater Latrobe

United Way's School Readiness Initiative (SRI) transition teams are bridging the gaps in education between early childhood education and kindergarten.  United Way of Westmoreland County is working to bring stakeholders in 13 Westmoreland County school districts together to form collaborations between educators, early care and education providers as well as district administrators.  The goal is to create an enriched and seamless transition for our children from preschool environments to kindergarten so that they have greater success in school and beyond.

In the Derry and Greater Latrobe area, this outreach has obtained new heights in the form of a linked facility, the Barbara Thompson Early Literacy Center.  As Jan Gebicki, a board member of United Way and a member of Derry Area School District's transition team, put it, "SRI is the catalyst for providing this collaborative environment, giving us the opportunity to pull these transition teams together."

The new facility is ready for taking on the challenge of improving early childhood education, while at the same time preparing young students and parents for what they can expect in kindergarten.

Parents are already working with the childcare providers, so merging of forces is coming naturally for this area. Bridging the gap in this way takes a lot of teamwork among the educators, parents, providers and administrators.  "It's important we have common ground," Jan says.  "We've got to work as partners to share ideas."

Derry Area School District transition team works hard to help children transition from preschool to kindergarten
and beyond. (left to right) Front Row: Diane Swetz, Beth Smalley; Middle Row: Linda Peterson, Jan Gebicki,
Mary Rovedatti-Jackson, Lynn Cochran; Back Row: Amy Brownfield, Nancy Mayo, Debra Zello and Nicole Reeves.

Forming bridges within the childcare community keeps the students' education at the forefront.  "We've got to build those bridges; it's all about quality for the little ones coming in," Jan says.  Quality in education is necessary at all levels, a fact that the United Way School Readiness Initiative recognizes wholeheartedly.

Activities among the early care and education providers are being coordinated with the School Districts, resulting in better-prepared students when they enter kindergarten.  As Jan puts it, "SRI's approach is built on the idea that children started learning well before entering school."

United Way of Westmoreland County's SRI transition teams are working hard to ensure that this attitude is taken across all levels, and its entire service area and relative school districts.  Many early care and education providers are involved in Keystone STARS, Pennsylvania's quality rating system of research-based performance standards.  These standards measure areas that make a difference in the quality of services for our children.

In the past two years, the number of early learning programs with the highest ranking, STAR 4, or national accreditation has doubled through efforts of SRI.  Jan says, "Thanks to United Way's investment in collaborations like this, parents can now see what quality is from early care to kindergarten."

Your investment in United Way of Westmoreland County is what matters. Thank you!

Thank you, once again, for your participation!

Sincerely,

Skip Glenn

United Way of Westmoreland County