Kindergarten readiness programs in Elyria, Lorain and Oberlin look to connect families virtually, fill unmet needs

Like school districts throughout the county, kindergarten readiness efforts also have taken a virtual approach during the pandemic. United Way of Greater Lorain County hosted a livestreamed forum Tuesday evening with representatives from the three community collaboratives it funds — OberlinKids, Ready, Set, Go Elyria and Rising Titans in Lorain. Ryan Aroney, United Way of Greater Lorain County president and CEO, led the discussion, noting the holistic approach the three groups take to preparing children for school. Each is focused on providing resources and supports to get children ready for kindergarten physically, emotionally and academically, while providing supports for families including connecting them with food pantries or child care services. An area of focus for all three is literacy. Children entering kindergarten are now expected to be able to recognize letters and write them. Rising Titans coordinator Katelyn Gonzalez said literacy kits are a focus and go hand-in-hand with a state grant Ready, Set, Go Elyria received for literacy sites. Reading and writing are longstanding focuses to get children ready for school, but this year includes acclimating them to masks and helping families operate and meet their needs during a pandemic. OberlinKids director Jenn Keathley said child care has been a hot issue. New pandemic licensing will allow day care centers to accept school-age children, a sign of relief for some families, she said. And during the pandemic her organization has been able to connect with more parents and caregivers through virtual support groups. The pandemic illuminated what a tough job working parents have, Ready, Set, Go Elyria coordinator Nicolle Bellmore said. Keathley agreed, saying some families are just trying to survive, and to help they and the other two collaboratives have been doing wellness checks to meet families' needs. "We want what's best for our communities and understanding kindergarten readiness starts at birth, even prebirth with prenatal care," she said "... We're here, we want to help and if we don't have a particular resource, chances are we know someone who does." Gonzales added "It's not just ABCs and 123s, it's everything." Kindergarten Readiness is one of several education programs United Way of Greater Lorain County funds. The three groups, and the agencies they connect with, provide services to families in each respective city, with plans to grow their outreach as new partnerships are available. To donate books, crayons or other early learning supplies, or funds to the program, visit uwloraincounty.org or call (440) 277-6530 for more information. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.