SPARK is the hub of a valuable wheel. An education initiative of Fox Valley United Way, SPARK (Strong, Prepared and Ready for Kindergarten) connects underserved Aurora, Illinois, families with early education and childcare opportunities that prepare their young children for success in school and life.
|
|
Follow us on your preferred social media platform to hear about upcoming events, new resources and more. |
|
|
Countdown to Kindergarten |
|
The school year is right around the corner. Visit our kindergarten registration landing page to find the information for your child's school district. |
|
Join us September 18th for a FREE family concert with Jim Gill at The Venue! Let's SPARK a love of learning through music and play.
Doors open at 10:00a.m. and the concert starts at 10:30. First come, first served for tickets.
|
|
Bright By Text: Parenting Resource Texting Service |
|
We are proud to announce that we have partnered with Bright by Text to bring this free program to you! Bright By Text is a free parenting resource that sends tips, local events and activities right to your phone. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, neighbor, or babysitter, Bright by Text can make caring for a little one easier! To receive free tips and learning games directly to your phone text SPARKKIDS to 274 448 or visit https://bbtxt.org/3xNXS3q.
*Standard message and data rates apply. Text STOP to 274448 to stop. Text HELP to 274448 for help.
|
|
Estamos orgullosos de anunciar que estamos trabajando con Bright by Text para ofrecerle este programa gratuito. Bright by Text es un recurso gratuito para padres que envía consejos, eventos locales y actividades directamente a su teléfono. Si usted es un padre, abuelo, tía o tío, vecino, o niñera, Bright By Text puede hacer que cuidar su hijo es un poco más fácil! Para recibir consejos gratuitos y juegos de aprendizaje directamente a su teléfono enviar un texto a SPARKKIDS a 274 448 o visite https://bbtxt.org/3xNXS3q
*Se aplican tarifas estándar de mensajes y datos. Textea STOP a 274448 para detener los mensajes. Textea HELP al 274448 para obtener ayuda
|
|
Show Us What Your Child Can Do! Schedule a Developmental Screening Today. |
|
Our family engagement team is available to schedule a FREE developmental screening. Every family that participates in a developmental screening will receive a preschool activity backpack.
What is a developmental screening?
A parent led screening tool that will provide a quick check of your child’s development. Together we can see all the amazing things your child is able to do in five developmental areas: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal-social. The information you supply will help reveal your child’s strengths, uncover any areas of concern, and determine if there are community resources or services that may be useful for your child or your family.
How does the screening work?
The screening is a survey style tool where you will tell us and/or show us what your child can do or what they are still learning. They typically take around twenty minutes.
Why is a developmental screening important?
The first five years of a child's life are so important for future success and checking in on their milestones will set them up for success in school and life.
If you would like to schedule a FREE developmental screening with someone from our family engagement team or if you have any questions you can contact us at (630)896-4636 or email us at spark@foxvalleyunitedway.org. We are excited to hear from you and help your child be Strong, Prepared And Ready for Kindergarten.
|
|
COVID Information for Schools and Daycares |
|
This COVID-19 webpage is designed exclusively for parents, schools, and daycares. This webpage provides the latest data and guidance and will be updated regularly. The Kane County Health Department is dedicated to partnering with families, schools, and daycares to ensure the health and safety of all children in Kane County |
|
Our first few playgroups were so much fun. We are excited to work with our partners Fox Valley Park District and Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry to bring these free family events to the community. If you are interested in attending future playgroups see information below.
We are grateful to Illinois Action for Children and the Community Parenting Support Saturation Grant for helping us bring these playgroups to the communities.
|
|
SPARK Family Activity Calendar |
September is National Library Card Sign Up Month! Having a library card can help expose your child to thousands of different books. Our calendar provides many links to fun activities and resources in the community, click on the links in the calendar for more information. If you need help to find an early childhood program, including kindergarten, contact SPARK staff at 630-896-4636 x109 or x112 or go bit.ly/KR2122
Septiembre es mes nacional para obtener una tarjeta de la biblioteca! Cuando tienes una tarjeta de la biblioteca puedes exponer tus hijo a miles de libros diferentes. Nuestro calendario tiene muchos enlaces para actividades divertidos y recursos en la comunidad, haga clic en los enlaces del calendario para obtener más información. Si necesita ayuda para encontrar un programa de la educacion temprana, incluyendo kindergarten, comuníquese con el personal de SPARK al 630-896-4636 x109 o x112 o en el sitio de web bit.ly/KR2122
|
|
Gateway to Early Childhood: Virtual support now available for our families |
|
The goal of SPARK is to connect families with children birth to 5 to quality early childhood supports and services. If you are looking for a program for you child, please watch this short video for more information on how to connect with our staff.
You can contact us at (630)896-4636 or spark@foxvalleyunitedway.org with any questions.
|
|
English:
Books build connections. That’s why it’s important to read with your little one every day. Check out our toolkit with the American Academy of Pediatrics for tips on promoting early literacy and learning:
|
|
Español
Los libros crean conexiones. Por eso es importante leer con su hijo cada día. Consulte nuestro kit de herramientas con la Academia Americana de Pediatría para obtener consejos sobre la promoción de la alfabetización temprana y el aprendizaje: https://www.aap.org/en-us/literacy/Pages/default.aspx
|
|
Spotlight on Children's Books that Promote Diversity |
An empowering and educational picture book that proves colors are for everyone, regardless of gender.
Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! This timely and beautiful picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters, Pink Is for Boys invites and encourages girls and boys to enjoy what they love to do, whether it's racing cars and playing baseball, or loving unicorns and dressing up. Vibrant illustrations help children learn and identify the myriad colors that surround them every day, from the orange of a popsicle, to the green of a grassy field, all the way up to the wonder of a multicolored rainbow.
Parents and kids will delight in Robb Pearlman's sweet, simple script, as well as its powerful message: life is not color-coded.
Recommended: 4-8 years
|
|
Partner Spotlight: Fox Valley Park District |
|
Scholarships for preschool at Fox Valley Park District |
|
Fox Valley Park District is excited to announce that with a generous donation from the Fox Valley Park Foundation, they are looking to award ten children with full scholarships for preschool for the 2021-22 school year. We will be offering spots in our 3s and 4s classes that run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. at Prisco Community Center. See more information above or contact Deedee Buscher at dbuscher@fvpd.net or 630.966.4546 |
|
2-1-1: The Number to Call (or text!) When You Don't Know Who To Call |
|
|
|
|
|
|
