First 5 FUNdamentals Receives New Investment to Support Early Learning in Pierce County

TACOMA, Wash.— United Way of Pierce County, a partner in the local effort to improve early learning among children up to five years of age, announced a $1.05 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to expand the area’s home visiting program (Promoting First Relationships), part of the county’s First 5 FUNdamentals plan. By meeting parents and children in their own homes, Promoting First Relationships aims to reinforce the parent-child bond, a key indicator for school readiness and school success.

First 5 FUNdamentals strives to improve school readiness throughout Pierce County, particularly among children in low-income families. Today’s investment will make it possible for 400 more families to participate in the home visiting program, a key intervention that has been shown to promote early learning and help parents be the most influential teachers in their children’s lives.

“Our long-term goal is to ensure that all children in Pierce County start school ready to succeed,” said Rick Allen, president, United Way of Pierce County. “To achieve this ambitious goal, United Way is working in collaboration with local community organizations and early learning providers to create a system for change.”

In Pierce County, nearly 60 percent of children are not physically, socially and emotionally prepared to start school. Their language and literacy skills aren’t adequate. Research shows those who start behind rarely catch up.

The foundation grant will be combined with funding from local companies and municipalities to make significant investments in early learning throughout Pierce County. United Way of Pierce County began working on early learning initiatives in 2007 to help ensure all kids entering kindergarten are adequately prepared. Through that work, First 5 FUNdamentals was born and continues to partner with organizations such as the Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department to prepare all children to succeed in school and in life.

Local public and private partners include: The City of Tacoma, City of Lakewood, Pierce County, Russell Investments, The Boeing Company, Rainier Pacific Bank, Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Tucci & Sons, KBTC Public Television, Columbia Bank, Albers & Company, R4 Printing, TAPCO Credit Union, Financial Insights, Concrete Technology, Thaddeus P. Martin IV – Attorney at Law and Propel Insurance.