Born Learning

Speak up to let your community know the importance of early learning!

Wouldn’t it be great if every child in our community had a positive start in life and could look forward to a future full of opportunities?
 
The Born Learning Campaign is designed to raise awareness to this important issue – a child’s early experiences are key to his or her future success, even before they begin school. Born Learning is a national United Way public engagement effort geared to provide parents and caregivers with the resources needed to create quality learning opportunities for young children.  It stresses the role of the parent as the child’s first teacher.
 
It’s surprising to see how you can turn everyday activities into fun learning opportunities!
DID YOU KNOW that a common chore, such as laundry, can be educational for your child? They can learn colors just by helping you sort socks! For more fun tips like this, visit: www.bornlearning.org
 
Early childhood education is vital to strong schools and a strong economy. Quality early learning in the first few years provides a solid foundation for school success. Research shows that investing in early learning pays huge dividends later on – in reduced crime, fewer teen pregnancies, more high school graduates and increased individual success in work and in life.
 

Local Efforts

Born Learning was selected by the Washington County School Readiness Collaboration and implemented locally through a partnership with United Way in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of early learning to improve school readiness. Materials have been distributed to a wide variety of organizations, including Pre-K centers, elementary schools, Washington County Health Department and local libraries.
 
According to 2009-10 Maryland Model for School Readiness (MMSR) results, only 73% of children entering Washington County public schools are "fully ready" to learn.
 
United Way of Washington County has installed three Born Learning Trails - the first Trails in Maryland! The Born Learning Trail is an interactive series of outdoor activities for parents and young children.  It consists of 10 colorful signs which capture games that help boost children's literacy skills, while also encouraging families to get moving together. United Way is proud to partner with the City of Hagerstown and PNC Bank to make these trails possible. Antietam Paving and C. William Hetzer sponsored the asphalt. The Trails are located at Pangborn Park, Wheaton Park, and Staley Park.
 
 
If you’d like to learn more about the Born Learning trails and resources, please call (301) 739-8200 x 15 or visit www.bornlearning.org for other tips and information.