Success By 6 is the nation's largest network of early childhood initiatives, focused on increasing school readiness through community change. In the fiscal year 2009-2010, more than 3,428 children and their parents in Marion County benefited from Success By 6 Initiatives including parent education, dental and health information, books for increasing early literacy, early learning and other resources on child development.

Success By 6 initiatives focus on the challenges facing local families with children birth through age 6 and facilitate creative solutions in collaboration with community and corporate partners.

Did you know that children from birth to age six learn more in less time than adults?

That is why it is important to provide the right stimulation and learning environment for young children. Success By 6 helps inform parents and decision makers about this window of opportunity in a child's life and makes early childhood education a priority in Marion County. Since parents are a child's first teacher, Success By 6s activities are focused on supporting the parents and caregivers of children.

The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County serves as the lead agency for Success By 6 in partnership with the United Way of Marion County. This unique partnership, created in 2005, was a first in the United States for Success By 6. The local initiative is governed by a Leadership Council comprised of community leaders.In Marion County, Success By 6 provides an array of services and resources for parents including:

• Powerful Parenting Seminars
• Resources and Information on a Safe Sleeping Environment for babies
• Free children's books through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
• Information on Childcare, VPK and Kindergarten Readiness

Through various grants and funding sources, Success By 6 continues to increase the services and resources parents are able to utilize to enhance their child's development, thus improving kindergarten readiness in Marion County.

For more information, contact Success By 6 Manager, Krissy Howell, at the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, (352) 369-2315.

How Can You Help?

Parents:

• Receive prenatal care.  •Use a car seat properly.
• Don't let children under 12 ride in the front seat.  •Quit smoking.
• Read, talk and explore with your child.

Employers:

Be "Family Friendly" by offering flex time, childcare reimbursement, or on-site childcare.

Civic Organizations:

• Educate your members on the needs of young children.  •Hold a book drive.
• Adopt a child care center.    •Call Success By 6 Speaker's Bureau.

Read about the successful 2nd Annual Pajamas and Books for Bedtime drive.

We work closely with Marion County's elected officials to provide them with statistics and facts they need to help pass legislation to protect and help our children birth to six. Visit our list of partners. The Success By 6 Manager is available for speaking engagements and training for your staff or any interested group. Parent education materials are available through the Early Learning Coalition office. For more information, please call (352) 369-2315 or visit www.elc-marion.org.