STRATEGY 1:
HEALTHY BABIES & TODDLERS
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
Physical and mental health are vital in determining a student’s success in school.
OUR GOAL:
For all babies and toddlers in Troup County to be healthy and developmentally ready for school.
BREAKING DOWN THE ISSUE
The Word Gap
For children of poverty, there is a significant word gap from birth to school age. The cumulative effect is children entering school have a 30 million word gap that is almost impossible to overcome in the first three years of school. This deficit is a leading cause of not being able to read on grade level by 3rd grade. Talking to your baby before he can talk to you is one of the best ways to avoid the 30 million word gap and prepare your child for academic success in school. Everyday talk with your children, tell them stories and read to them at all ages beginning at birth. Be sure to visit your local library and participate in fun reading and storytelling programs with your children.
TROUP COUNTY PROGRAMS
Quality Rated Day Care Centers
Quality Rated is Georgia’s system to determine, improve, and communicate the quality of programs that provide child care. Quality Rated assigns one, two, or three stars to early education and school-age care programs that meet or exceed minimum state requirements. Our goal is for all children enrolled in a daycare to be enrolled in a Quality Rated daycare.
Vision and Hearing Screenings
United Way of West Georgia is a community partnership focused on improving school readiness through a strong network of public and private resources. They collaborate with school districts, child development centers, community organizations, local government and others to promote the healthy development of all children from conception through age five.
Talk With Me Baby
Talk With Me Baby is a partnership of public and private organizations all working to bring the concept of language nutrition into public awareness, and educate parents and caregivers on the importance of talking with their babies.
Success By Six
Success by Six is an initiative of the United Way of West Georgia. With a focus on children ages three and four, this program helps prepare children who will soon begin formal schooling
Bright 2 Text
Bright by Text provides free tips, information, and resources to help all parents and caregivers give every child a bright beginning. Text the word BRIGHT to 274448 to register.
Quality Care for Children
Quality Care for Children provides referrals to parents seeking Georgia child care, afterschool programs, Georgia Pre-K, Early/Head Start and summer camps.
