The 2006 LIFE Study findings indicate there is a widening achievemnt gap between children of low-income families and children of families with average to high income levels.  There are also increasing behavioral problems in children enrolled in child care centers. 

To address these issues, United Way Fox Cities' Developing Children and Youth Impact Area, in conjunction with the local Child Care Resource and Referral, developed the Early Language and Literacy Initiative, which consists of four components.

Room to Grow creates the right environment for children to learn and to develop emotional and social skills.  Child Care Resource and Referral staff use rating scales to evaluate the environment and make subsequent improvements.  Studies have shown that improvements in child care environments can have a positive effect on children's behavior.

The Creative Curriculum improves the cognitive and social/emotional development of children.

Conscious Discipline trains the adults to view a conflict situation differently and respond in a manner that can be a learning opportunity for the children.  It reduces aggression in the classroom and improves reading scores.

Musikgarten uses music and rhythm patterns to stimulate neurons and help children in areas of academic, emotional and social development.

Currently, the initiative is working with three not-for-profit child care centers in the Fox Cities.

Additional funding for this initiative is being provided by the John J. and Ethel D. Keller Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.