The youth of our community deserve nothing less than every opportunity possible. United Way’s Born Learning program aims to ensure educational success for our community’s youngest members.

Key research shows children begin learning at birth. By age 3, more than 50 percent of a child’s brain is developed, largely influenced by daily activities. Unfortunately, many children are not getting enough quality, early-learning experiences.

Launched in 2007, the early-education initiative targets children ages 4 and younger, providing quality early-learning experiences and promoting school readiness. The program provides parents — a child’s first teacher — the tools they need to help children reach their fullest potential.

The importance of Born Learning

Kindergarten teachers estimate one in three children is unprepared to meet the challenges of formal schooling. Low-income children start kindergarten one to two years behind in language and other skills.

One of Born Learning’s key results shows that after one year in the program, 92 percent of children are at or above developmental level.

Texas students in a high-quality pre-K program would receive, on average, an increase of more than $84,000 in lifetime earnings by graduating from high school, according to a report by the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.

The benefits of high-quality early education affect not just one child — but an entire community. Every $1 spent on high-quality early education saves $7 in future costs for special education, delinquency, crime control, welfare benefits, lost taxes, etc., according to a University of Wisconsin report.

Project Sponsors

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is grateful for the dedicated support of its Born Learning sponsors: The Dallas Foundation; Alliance Data; Horchow Family Charitable Trust; and IBM.