United Way of Northern Arizona — (Video) Community Celebrates Elevate PreK

Last weekend, proponents of early education gathered to celebrate the first year of Elevate PreK, a pilot program that offers high-quality, full-day, year-round preschool experience at no cost to families.

The program is geared toward 4-year-olds living in households with income between 101% and 250% of the federal poverty level who are not currently enrolled in preschool.

United Way of Northern Arizona is one of the program’s supporters and co-hosted the event.

In addition to offering an evidenced-based curriculum, the program also offers wrap-around services for families so that parents and caregivers get the support they need.

The celebration included a review of Elevate PreK’s progress in its first year conducted by Dr. Caroline Black, an assistant professor of early childhood education at Northern Arizona University. Her study showed that outcomes of the program included growth in students’ social skills, self-control, engagement and vocabulary in the first year.

The addition of the all-day preschool also gave parents greater freedom to increase the hours they worked or pursue job training or educational opportunities. Learn more about Elevate PreK in this video.

We are very grateful to the dozens of you who have participated recently in the recovery efforts for property owners impacted by the Tunnel Fire.

United Way of Northern Arizona has scheduled three more Saturday volunteer events in the Timberline neighborhoods on May 21, June 4 and June 11.

Volunteers are needed to help with debris removal, and need to be able to lift at least 35 pounds. This is heavy, dirty work with debris that can contain sharp metal, wood, nails and other materials. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old and will receive safety training.

Can we count on you to help? Please visit our online volunteer registration portal, VolunteerHub, for more information and to register. Call the UWNA office at (928) 773-9813 or Volunteer Coordinator Sybil Smith at (928) 699-4843 with questions or assistance with VolunteerHub.

THANK YOU for Living United and helping our friends and neighbors in their time of need.