Imagine if every child had five years of education before kindergarten. That’s what United Way and it’s partners are promoting with Born Learning.

We know what happens in a child’s early years matters – for success in life and for school readiness. Yet many parents and caregivers don’t know exactly what actions to take to prepare young children for school, or feel like they don’t have time to do what’s needed.

United Way, the Ad Council and Civitas have formed an unprecedented partnership around Born Learning. This partnership brings together a nationwide community impact network with the nation’s pre-eminent public service advertiser and a top expert in parent outreach strategies and creative marketing around early childhood. Through advertising, parent education and community impact, Born Learning will help parents and caregivers take action to provide quality early learning opportunities for young children.

The reality is that children are learning constantly, right from birth. What they learn during those first five years depends on the experiences they have each and every day. This is our greatest challenge and our greatest opportunity.

Born Learning is built on three cornerstones: awareness, education, and action. It is necessary for parents and caregivers to realize the opportunities available each day to teach their children valuable lessons, without having to change their routine. Born Learning takes early learning research and translates it into activities and educational tools for parents and caregivers.

The educational materials for Born Learning are user-friendly and designed to help parents and caregivers understand how to prepare their children for school. See below.

Early Childhood Development Video Series created by the Ad Council
	Laundromat 30 second video - 1MB Windows Media Player
	Piggies 30 second video - 1MB Windows Media Player (for Spanish version - click here)
	Signs 30 second video - 1MB Windows Media Player

Parent Tools:
Acrobat Reader Required

	The Playbook Rules and guidelines to help you make the most of your child’s playtime.
	Are You Baby Smart? Take this short quiz, to test your knowledge about some of the things you can do to enhance your interactions with your infant.
	Child Care Checklist When searching for a compatible caregiver for your child, leave no stone unturned.  Refer to this checklist when visiting child care centers.
	Meal Ideas for Young Children Teaching an infant to eat… introducing a child to the flavors, textures and tastes of different foods… helping him get the nutrients he needs to grow and develop…
	Fun and Games with Songs Here are some of kids’ best-loved rhymes and songs. Learn the words,learn the motions and sing along with your child.
	Sleep Diary Keeping a sleep diary helps you get a clearer picture of your baby’s seemingly unpredictable and disorganized sleep habits.
	Everyday Activities for Dad So often, families divide child care responsibilities along gender lines.  The following hints are designed to help dads conquer their fears of the unknown and go where they’ve rarely gone before.
	Family History Projects The following projects are perfect starting points for passing on your history and having fun with your grandchildren.

Your Child @ Series:
highlights of what’s happening at different stages
of your child’s development…
Acrobat Reader Required

Your Child @ Birth
Your Child @ 2 Months
Your Child @ 4-6 Months
Your Child @ 6-12 Months
Your Child @ 12-18 Months
Your Child @ 18-24 Months
Your Child @ 24-36 Months
Your Child @ 3 Years
Your Child @ 4 Years
Your Child @ 5 Years

Kid Basics:
Series of Nine Cards providing quick facts and recommended action steps: Acrobat Reader Required

National Website:

United Way of America is partnering with the Ad Council and Civitas to create this innovative public engagement campaign.

www.bornlearning.org