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.
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Follow us on your preferred social media platform to hear about upcoming events, new resources and more. |
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SPARK Family Activity Calendar |
August is National Getting Ready for Kindergarten month! It is important to help your child prepare to start pre-school or kindergarten. Predictable routines and visits to the classroom to meet the teacher may help ease some of the anxiety you and your child are feeling. Our calendar provides many resources about starting school, 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 to bit.ly/KR2122
Agosto es Mes Nacional para Preparar para Kinder! Es importante ayudar a su hijo a prepararse para comenzar pre-escolar o el kinder. Las rutinas predecibles y las visitas al salón de clases para conocer la maestra pueden ayudar a aliviar parte de la ansiedad que usted y su hijo están sintiendo. Nuestro calendario tiene muchos recursos sobre cómo comenzar la escuela, 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
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Partner Spotlight: Cities in Schools Aurora |
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Cities In Schools will host their annual Aurora Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, August 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Phillips Park, 1000 Moses Drive, Aurora.
This year will be a drive-thru event to pick up school supply kits. No in-person walkers will be allowed, and all participants must remain in their vehicles. Vehicles must enter via S. Smith Blvd.
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Countdown to Kindergarten |
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The school year is right around the corner. Visit our kindergarten registration landing page to find the information for your child's school district. |
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This month's virtual Play. Learn. Connect. activity is brought to you by DuPage Children's Museum. Ice Cube Painting is a “cool” activity to try with your children! Making and then playing with ice is scientific observation in its purest form.
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Did you miss our previous Play. Learn. Connect. activities? Don't worry you can check them all out on our website just click the green button below. And be sure to like our Facebook page to see all of our future virtual Play. Learn. Connect. activities. |
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Gateway to Early Childhood: Virtual support now available for our families |
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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.
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Show Us What Your Child Can Do! Schedule a Developmental Screening Today. |
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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.
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English:
Turn a warm day into an opportunity for an easy science experiment. Take an ice cube out of the freezer and put it in a cup. Ask, “What do you think will happen if we bring this ice cube outside?” For more everyday science activities, click here: https://bit.ly/3fE716w
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Español
Convierta un día cálido en una oportunidad para hacer un sencillo experimento científico. Saque un cubito de hielo del congelador y póngalo en un vaso. Pregunte: "¿Qué crees que pasará si sacamos este cubito de hielo afuera?”.
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Spotlight on Children's Books that Promote Diversity |
Meet three inspirational figures from Black culture and history: Maya Angelou, Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks! This Little People, BIG DREAMS series introduces little dreamers to the lives of these leaders and trailblazers who stepped up and changed the world.
In these remarkable true stories, learn how three people stood against injustice and fought for their dream of a better world. Maya overcame her trauma to tell the story of being Black in America, becoming one of the century’s most influential and visionary writers. Martin grew up in the harsh world of segregation, and came to show the world that the best weapon against hate is love. Rosa took a stand against what she knew was wrong, igniting a movement that sought to unite a divided world. Each of these moving books features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the figure’s life.
Recommended: 4-7 years
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Bright By Text: Parenting Resource Texting Service |
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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.
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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
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2-1-1: The Number to Call (or text!) When You Don't Know Who To Call |
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