Children

Our Goal: Children are nurtured and enter school ready to learn

Our Challenge: One-third of Massachusetts children are exposed to risk factors that threaten healthy social and emotional development and future success in school. Our state also ranks 50th in social and emotional well-being for low-income children.

Our Approach: United Way connects the efforts of those in education, health care, child care, and the community to address gaps in service, develop best practices, monitor success and support innovation.

Our Strategies

• Children with developmental or behavioral concerns or delays will be identified before entry to school through screening and assessment tools.
• Children with developmental or behavioral concerns or delays will improve in areas of concern or delay so they are ready to learn when they enter school.
• Families who need significantly more knowledge and resources to support their children’s development and learning will have what they need.
• Statewide public policies, practices, and budget items will be enacted, implemented and enforced, thereby helping to ensure that more young children have the nurturing relationships and emotional health they need to enter school ready to learn and succeed in life

Real People. Real Results.

• 17,314 children were assessed for developmental or behavioral concerns or delays.
• 12,435 children with developmental or behavioral concerns or delays received intervention and treatment services. 10,197 children (or 82%) showed improvement.
• 6,242 caregivers benefitted from family support programs. 4,369 (or 70%) demonstrated they are better able to support their children due to these programs.