Imagine a world where every child starts school confident, healthy, and eager to learn. That is the vision behind The Public Life Foundation’s new Checkmarks initiative.
For nearly two decades the Public Life Foundation has supported citizen participation in community decisions. As a testament to its rich history of facilitating community change, the Foundation launched its most ambitious project: pledging $4 million of Foundation assets to improve early childhood education in Daviess County.
Checkmarks will transform our town into a learning adventure, offering engaging activities in familiar places. Checkmarks makes it easy for families to enjoy educational fun together, ensuring all kids in our community are ready to shine in kindergarten and beyond.
WHAT IS CHECKMARKS?
Checkmarks is a free community-wide initiative designed to help children in the greater Owensboro area build a strong foundation for success. More than just a program, Checkmarks is a learning adventure turning everyday outings into opportunities for discovery and growth. Families can participate in a variety of Checkmark challenges located throughout town, each one focused on five essential qualities for a well-rounded child.
By seamlessly integrating these challenges into familiar community spaces like parks, libraries, businesses and community centers, Checkmarks makes it easy for families to support their children’s development. With each Checkmark activity, children not only learn but also create lasting memories with their families.
HOW DOES CHECKMARKS WORK?
Checkmarks will appear in familiar spots around Owensboro. The goal is for children to see a Checkmarks logo and think, ‘I want to check that out!’—turning everyday moments into thrilling learning experiences.
Imagine a Checkmarks challenge at a local park sparking an impromptu dance party, a fun scavenger hunt, or tackling a quick learning challenge at a local business. These activities collectively support five fundamental skills:
Language Domain: Activities such as storytelling and conversational questions help families engage in fun conversations, enhancing listening and speaking skills.
Motor Domain: Challenges that involve promoting gross and fine motor skills ensure kids develop their physical abilities.
Academic-Cognitive: Math games and pre-reading activities help prepare children for academic success.
Daily Living Domain: Simple tasks teach self-help and daily living skills, making everyday routines a learning experience.
Social-Emotional Domain: Activities focused on play and kindness build social skills and emotional growth.
Some Checkmarks challenges will be big, others small, offering endless opportunities for fun. As the initiative grows, more Checkmarks challenges will be found throughout town. By participating in Checkmarks, families can enjoy these enriching experiences together, making learning fun.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT FOR CHECKMARKS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES?
According to the 2018-2019 Kentucky Schools Report Card, only 1 in 5 children under five years old are utilizing early childhood services. That means many of Owensboro’s youngest residents are missing out on essential support. Additionally, the report reveals that only half of Owensboro students start kindergarten prepared. Checkmarks is here to change that by seamlessly integrating learning into everyday fun. Our age-appropriate activities help children develop critical skills while having a blast, ensuring more of our kids enter kindergarten ready to thrive. Plus, Checkmarks provides caregivers with easy access to resources that support overall child well-being.
To add an extra layer of excitement, Checkmarks will occasionally offer fun take-home giveaways. These not only encourage participation but also bring an additional layer of cheer to the learning adventure!
WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY IMPACT OF CHECKMARKS?
By integrating Checkmarks into everyday locations, we are creating a supportive community that prioritizes early childhood development. Early childhood education is the foundation for a bright future, and Checkmarks aims to break the cycle of underprepared students in Greater Owensboro, giving our children a better chance to thrive.
And our community is stronger at all levels! Kindergarten-ready kids means happier teachers resulting in improved schools, creating a stronger workforce, and ultimately, a thriving community!
In short, Checkmarks is not just about individual success; it’s about building a community where every child has the opportunity to shine, starting with a strong foundation in early childhood education.
HOW TO BE INVOLVED!
Parental involvement is key to making Checkmarks successful; active parental involvement not only aids in children’s learning but also creates cherished memories and fosters a love for lifelong learning. Parents can support their children through Checkmarks adventures:
Direction & Encouragement:
Direct children towards Checkmarks challenges and encourage participation with enthusiasm and curiosity.
Patience & Assistance:
Offer patience and assistance as children tackle each challenge, guiding them through steps while allowing exploration and learning.
Affirmation & Praise:
Celebrate efforts and accomplishments with affirmation and praise, reinforcing a sense of achievement and boosting self-esteem.
Active parental involvement not only aids in children’s learning but also creates cherished memories and fosters a love for lifelong learning. Every Checkmarks moment can be a joyful and educational experience for families.