How To Help
One of the most troubling statistics in Spartanburg County is this: 23% of the children in third grade are over age. Experiences in the first and second grade are not the cause of this failure. As the Carnegie Study, "Meeting the Needs of our Youngest Children" stated almost 10 years ago, "Our nation's infants and toddlers and their families are in trouble."
The determinants of readiness
- Good health
- Quality childcare
- Parenting
- Quality early education
We as parents, health providers, community leaders, educators, philanthropists, media and businesses are responsible for the 23% of students in Spartanburg County who are over age in the third grade. All of us must work together to reduce that disturbing number by being aware that learning does not begin in first grade. Learning begins at birth. We can help Spartanburg give children a decent start in life when we:
- Read to children
- Talk to children
- Become an activist for children
- Give generously to quality service agencies supporting children
- Support our schools
- Care passionately for children
- Make children our priority
- Create appropriate play space in our community for children
- Elect public servants who are aware of children's needs
- Educate ourselves about quality early education
- Educate our neighbors about quality early education
- Volunteer our time for children
- Smile at children
- Contact Spartanburg County First Steps