Kindergarten Readiness

Every child in Cowlitz & Wahkiakum counties deserves a strong start to life. Investing in children in their early years has a profound impact on their entire lives, setting children up for success in school and beyond. 

Yet many children in Cowlitz & Wahkiakum counties enter kindergarten without the skills they need to succeed. In many parts of our community, the percentage of children prepared for kindergarten is well below the state average.  In some parts of our community, over 75% of children enter kindergarten without the skills they need to succeed.

Children who come from low-income households or who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color face additional barriers that must be addressed in order to ensure each child receives the support and access they need to be successful.  
 
By investing in families and young children, we can impact children's lives for years to come. As a community we can come together to help prepare children for kindergarten and set them up to succeed. 

United Way is committed to working alongside local educators and community leaders to ensure that by 2032, 80% of all children in Cowlitz & Wahkiakum counties are prepared and ready for kindergarten. 

Read the Board of Director's Resolution in support of preparing children for kindergarten.

Free Family Resources: Our community has many organizations and resources available to help support families and children.  We know that many families are struggling and may need help with meeting basic needs, finding a doctor, connecting to enriching activities for their children or finding childcare or preschool opportunities

United Way Kindergarten Readiness Calendar.

All children are different and learn at their own pace. This calendar will help you plan activities that will help your child grow in the skills needed to start kindergarten. Children do better in school if they know more than just letters, numbers, colors, and shapes. They should have good social and physical skills and enjoy new things. Use the guide as you work with your child to build those skills and get ready for kindergarten.

Purchase Items for Children to Prepare them for Kindergarten: Join us in putting together Kindergarten Readiness Bundles to families in need by providing art supplies, books, crafts, play equipment and more so that children can learn and play right in their home. By increasing family engagement and connecting children to essential community resources, we can enrich children’s lives and help support them as they get ready for kindergarten.

Donate: Every donation makes a difference in helping to prepare children for kindergarten.

Share your feedback: Complete the survey to provide your feedback on opportunities and challenges we face in supporting children in our community.

Volunteer: Sign up to talk to your neighbors or other parents about how we can support children.

Stay Informed: Sign up for our emailed newsletter and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on how you can help.

Sign up to receive free books for children from birth to age five!
Join Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library so your child can receive free, age-appropriate books in the mail each month.
This program promotes literacy, increases family engagement and helps children prepare for kindergarten.