Preparing Young Children For Success

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Frederick Douglass

Children entering kindergarten with skills they need to succeed are more likely to graduate from high school and become productive workers. But almost half of America’s kindergarteners are behind. Most will not catch up.

In Dutchess County, there are an estimated 5,200 children who are suffering from an undiagnosed behavioral or developmental disorder- that’s an average of 400 in every school district.

Your United Way knows that children are born learning. Our Development Check Up program prepares young children for success by helping their parents and caregivers build their child’s skills and recognize concerns or developmental delays right from birth. United Way of Dutchess County focuses on the youngest children, particularly those most at risk for developmental delays.

Measurable Impact

• Over 300 children, ages 4 months to 5 years old, have participated in a Development Check Up.
• 28% of the children screened went on for further treatment for serious development, behavioral or health issues.
• More than 50% of our screenings are done on children under the age of three because we know the savings to parents and tax payers is significant if a child’s delay is uncovered before that age.