Investing in Children & Youth

CHILDREN  

The Issues

 

Preparing for school success starts at the very beginning of a child’s life. The early childhood years lay a critical foundation that influences the effectiveness of subsequent education efforts. In fact, the rate of development from birth to kindergarten is faster than at any other period in one’s life.

According to Virginia’s School Readiness Indicators team, PALS tests indicate that more than 20% of children entering public schools in Virginia are so far behind their peers in needed skills that they have a significant problem.  1 out of every 5 children in the Roanoke Valley MSA is seriously under-prepared for kindergarten, meaning they will be more likely to lag behind in reading, math, language skills by the time they reach third grade. 

Over 2,000 children and families live below the poverty level (2002 Kids Count), so finding and paying for childcare is very difficult. The average cost of childcare in the valley is $135-155/week. 

UWRV’s Response

To address this, UW engages in a two-fold approach to increase school readiness: 

  • Making affordable, quality childcare available to low-income families.
  • Providing support services for childcare providers to improve the quality of care provided to children.

We believe that every child should be provided a healthy, safe environment and the opportunity to develop to his or her full potential.

  • Increase the number of children ages 0 through 5 who achieve cognitive, physical, social and emotional development necessary to enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed in school
  • Support the expansion of programs that support parents/caregivers.

Our Partners

Greenvale School, Childcare

NW Child Development Center, Childcare

Smart Beginnings - Building Children's Futures of Greater Roanoke, School Readiness Collaboraton

Outcomes

  • 2,157 young children (age 0-5) impacted by UW-funded early childhood programs.
  • 91% of preschool children are showing age-appropriate development and entering kindergarten ready to learn.
  • 81% of families receiving financial assistance to allow their children to access quality childcare and enable parents to continue working.

YOUTH  Youth

The Issues

According to the US 2000 Census, school age children (6-18) account for approximately 20% of the Roanoke Valley MSA population.

The Search Institute’s framework of 40 Developmental Assets represents a common core
of developmental building blocks essential for the positive development of all young people. The earlier in life that a child possesses these developmental assets, the less likely he or
she will demonstrate dangerous or inappropriate behaviors as a teen.

A 2005 survey conducted among Roanoke youth revealed that the average number of assets experienced by youth was 19.5 and only 11% experienced 31-40 assets. Assets ranked as the lowest were:

  • Positive communication with parents
  • Feeling valued by the community
  • Exposure to recreational activities and educational experiences after school. 

UWRV focuses its efforts in supporting after/out of school programs that promote these critical developmental assets in Roanoke youth and encourage school success, facilitate overall development as a person, and prevent dangerous behaviors later in life.

UWRV’s Response

Create opportunities for youth ages 6-18 to develop into responsible, productive and healthy individuals by supporting prevention-focused programs that employ strategies to build youth assets and reduce risk behaviors.

Provide opportunities for more youth to graduate from high school and reach their potential.

Our Partners

Big Bros/Big Sisters of Roanoke Valley, Community and Site-Based Mentoring

Boy Scouts of America – Blue Ridge Mountains Council, Scoutreach/Comprehensive Youth Development

Boys & Girls Clubs of SWVA, Project Learn

Family Service of Roanoke Valley, Teen Outreach Program, United with Youth

Girl Scouts of the Virginia Skyline Council – Outreach Program

YMCA of Roanoke Valley, Homework Success Program, Magic Place

Outcomes

  • 7,590 school-age children attending UW-funded after-and out of school programs.
  • 80% of youth receiving homework assistance are showing improvements in their academic performance; with at least 60% showing improvements in their school attendance.
  • 94% are increasing their leadership skills. 3,621 youth planned and carried out over 50 community projects which further increase external assets of feeling valued and the desire to make a difference in their community.
  • Of the youth that were provided with positive adult role models, 88% demonstrated improvements in their decision-making skills and 85% showed the ability to make healthy choices and resiliency against substance abuse.

 

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