Problem

Extensive cognitive and neurological research indicates that the parts of the human brain most important for learning and developing cognitive skills are most active at an early age. Unfortunately, statistics show that a low-income 5-year-old has one-fourth the vocabulary of mid-income peers. Research suggests that early intervention, in the form of a caring one-to-one relationship, promotes crucial brain development and essential primary skill building that leads to success in school and life.

The Gift

Incorporating letters and print into a child’s learning environment and into his or her everyday play ensures that the child becomes comfortable and familiar with the alphabet. When put to use by a caring Jumpstart volunteer working one-to-one with the child, the learning is individualized and more effective. Your gift will provide an educational package of puzzles, Alphabet Bingo, Letter Tiles, and Alphabet Stamps, materials that make learning fun by helping children engage with words and letters in an open-ended, hands-on way. These materials will be made available to a classroom of children attending low-income preschools centers; many of these centers do not have the resources to provide children with these tools for learning.