As spring unfolds its vibrant colors and the warmth of the sun begins to thaw the winter chill, there’s a buzz of excitement in the air, especially among the Reading Great by 8 team at United Way. It’s that time of the year again when the community comes together to celebrate something truly special – the Northern Colorado Children’s Festival. The festival will be on March 30, 2024, from 10am-3pm at the Island Grove Event Center in Greeley.
This annual event is more than just a fun day out for families; it’s a testament to the importance of early childhood education and the role it plays in shaping the future of our children and our community. As we gather to celebrate a love of learning, let’s take a moment to reflect on why investing in early childhood education is crucial.
Learning does not begin when children enter school, United Way of Weld County recognizes the importance of quality education starting at birth. The early years of a child’s life are foundational, laying the groundwork for future learning, development, and success. We know that until the end of third grade students learn to read – after this, they read to learn. Only 39% of Weld County children are reading at grade level by the beginning of fourth grade. That means six in ten children aren’t reading to learn by age 8.
Research consistently shows that children who have access to quality early childhood education programs are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. They are better prepared for school and are more likely to graduate high school and pursue higher education or meaningful careers.
However, access to such programs is not always equitable, and many children, especially those from low-income families, face barriers to accessing high-quality early education.
This is where community events like the Northern Colorado Children’s Festival play a vital role. By providing families with access to educational resources, interactive activities, and community support, this helps level the playing field and ensures that every child can reach their full potential. It takes a village to raise a child and Reading Great by 8 strives to help create and foster that community.
At the Northern Colorado Children’s Festival, children are immersed in a world of imagination and discovery. From storytelling sessions and interactive workshops to hands-on activities and games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. But beyond the laughter and excitement, there’s a deeper message – that learning is fun, and every moment is an opportunity to grow and explore.
As a community, we must recognize that investing in early childhood education is not just a moral imperative; it’s an economic one too. Studies have shown that every dollar invested in high-quality early education programs yields significant returns, not only in terms of academic achievement but also in reducing future societal costs associated with crime, healthcare, and welfare dependence.
By supporting events like the Northern Colorado Children’s Festival, we are not only investing in the future of our children but also in the future of our community. Together, we can build a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow, where every child is valued, healthy, and thriving.
So as we come together to celebrate the Northern Colorado Children’s Festival, let’s remember the importance of early childhood education and the profound impact it has on shaping the lives of children. Together, we can create a world where every child has the skills needed to be reading great by age 8.
Adriana Carrillo is the Assistant Director of Reading Great by 8 at United Way of Weld County.
