| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/24/2009 |
Contact: Mary Anne Feeley 610-429-9400 maryanne.feeley@unitedwaychestercounty.org |
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UWCC AND CTDI, INC. INSTALL BORN LEARNING TRAIL AT CAT PICKERING TO PROMOTE CHILDHOOD LEARNING The Born Learning Trail is part of the United Way of Chester County’s Early Childhood Education Initiative and is designed to assist parents and caregivers in engaging their young children in early learning activities. The new addition to the CAT school campus is composed of a series of activities which an adult can use to engage a young child in stimulating play; play aimed to prepare the child to enter kindergarten by stimulating the development of important skills and knowledge. Based on the latest early childhood research and approved by national early learning experts through United Way of America, the Born Learning Trail is intended to help adults interact with children to improve language and literacy development and to help caregivers understand how to best support early learning in an outdoor setting, while keeping the entire family active. Twelve signs outline the path which guides parents and their children through stimulating activities. “The Born Learning Trail promotes fun and games- important components of early childhood learning,” said Claudia Hellebush, President and CEO of United Way of Chester County. “Research tells us children are literally ‘born learning.’ That means five years of education take place before they ever enter kindergarten. We know that what happens in a child’s early years matters- for success in life and for school readiness. And we want to help parents, grandparents and caregivers use everyday outings- including trips to CAT- to support that learning.” United Way research has found that many parents undervalue their role in preparing young children for school, that parents and caregivers do not know exactly what actions to take to prepare young children for school and that parents and caregivers feel like they do not have ample time to do what’s needed. Jerry Parsons, UWCC Board Member and CEO, Communications Test Design, Inc., explains “The Born Learning Trail at CAT Pickering exemplifies partnerships at work and allows for broader community involvement with multiple beneficiaries. This United Way of Chester County community initiative specifically supports our strategy to help children enter school on track, enabled to achieve their potential." The Born Learning Trail is a community endeavor supported by multiple partners and sponsors. Jim Morgitan, CAT Pickering Facilities Supervisor, and his team managed setup and cleanup of the Inauguration event held on September 12, 2009, and will aid CTDI, Inc., in coordinating the installation. Additional partners and sponsors include Charlestown Paving, Schiele-Thornton and Son Inc. Electric & Plumbing, Campbell-Ennis-Klotzback Funeral Home, New Century Bank, Robert and Susan DiPuppo/Devon Financial, Charles Merkle, Black Forest Auto, Designs Unlimited, Latshaw Hardware, Miss Collette’s Storytelling and numerous staff, students and teachers from CAT Pickering. Keri Hopkins-Gehring, Head Start Instructor on the CAT Pickering campus, is excited about the benefits the Born Learning Trail will bring to the children in her programs. “Our children will have somewhere to venture to right here on campus. Our parents and guardians will be able to enjoy quality time with their child in a fun and educational environment. Many of our parents want to interact with their children more and want to improve language and literacy development but just do not know where to start. This is a great tool for our families. Walking the trail will help to educate them on how to prepare their children for future success.” For more information about this and other United Way Initiatives, contact United Way at 610-429-9400. |