Community Initiatives

 

FOCUS is involved in several initiatives that serve the York County community.  Click on the links below to visit each page for more information.

 

Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program 

In order to support the families with the high cost traditionally associated with high quality child care and preschool programs, the United Way of York County is accepting contributions from businesses that will specifically go towards scholarships for pre-kindergarten students into high-quality programs. 

      

Professional Development

The Professional Development Meetings are appropriate for Private and Parochial Early Childhood Educators and community stakeholders interested in professional development and networking. 

 

Ready Freddy  

FOCUS, an early childhood initiative of the United Way of York County works to ensure that all children who enter school are ready to learn. It does this through supporting the York County community’s early learning centers, family providers, school districts, and stakeholders, in providing quality early childhood experiences for all children.

 

Early Literacy 100 Book Challenge

Supported by PNC, the Early Literacy 100 Book Challenge encourages families to read to their children every day, which research tells us is the best way to prepare them for success in school.

 

Early Literacy Read to Me Challenge

The Early Literacy Read to Me Challenge is a pre-literacy program that encourages York County families to read to their 1- and 2-year-old children. 

 

Reading Ready Corners

United Way Reading Ready Corners are located in high-traffic areas where children and adults may experience wait times. The goal is two-pronged:  first, to encourage reading while adults and kids are waiting; and second, to offer the child a book to take home with them.

 

Reach Out and Read 

In partnership with Rotary Club of York, Family First Health, and the York County Literacy Council, Reach Out and Read (ROAR) utilizes well visits at pediatrician appointments where doctors will issue a “prescription” to read at home. At every well visit, children ages 6 months through 5 years old will receive a new book to take home with them.  

 

Little Free Libraries

Little Free Libraries, five of which are supported by United Way of York County, provide additional outlets for distributing books in areas where children may not otherwise have access to age-appropriate books.

 

 

Questions? Contact Manager of Early Learning Julie Myers, myersj@unitedway-york.org, or 717.843.0957, ext. 822.