Born Learning Communities
A companion to United Way Born Learning Academies, Born Learning Communities were designed to meet families where they are, physically, in their communities, in a safe space. The program also aims to meet families where they are, developmentally, building on strengths and what they already know to help them to be successful in meeting the needs of their children.
Born Learning Communities provides families with a toolbox to build skills as responsive caregivers, connect to early childhood programs and other community resources, and to prepare children for school success. The goals of Born Learning Communities are to:
- Inspire families to recognize their role in preparing children for kindergarten entry.
- Teach caregivers what it means to be ready for kindergarten by offering strategies that can be used at home to maximize their child’s early learning and development.
- Establish trust, build relationships, and increase enrollment in local early childhood programs.
- Create a pathway to the traditional school based Born Learning Academy.
- Prove a community based model will lead to increase engagement in surrounding community early childhood opportunities and school-based programs.
- Build capacity in our communities by creating a program that can be replicated over time and facilitated by “non-professionals.”
Born Learning Communities provide the content and structure for four workshops. The specific learning objectives for each are:
Workshop 1: Early Childhood, Why is Early Learning important?
- State one connection between the early childhood years and kindergarten readiness.
- Demonstrate one thing that will help children focus on learning at home.
Workshop 2: Everyday Moments, Parents are Early Teachers
- Describe one reason why parents are referred to as children’s first teachers.
- Name one thing adult family members can do to foster responsive relationships with children.
Workshop 3: Early Literacy
- Describe one way verbal language encourages literacy.
- Demonstrate one way to engage children in language and literacy.
Workshop 4: Invitation to Change, Overview of Community Resources
- State one reason for connecting with community resources.
- Name the local school district as a helpful/useful community resource.
