United Way of Delta County Imagination Library

06/10/2026

A visit to the library offers so much more than just books. For young children, the library is also a place where important life skills begin to grow.

When children check out books and return them later, they start learning valuable lessons about responsibility and caring for shared community resources. Library visits help children practice:

🔹Taking care of items that belong to others
🔹Returning books on time
🔹Respecting shared spaces
🔹Building healthy routines around reading

These small habits help build responsibility, independence, and a lifelong connection to learning.

Learn more about United Way of Delta County’s efforts to support early literacy: uwdelta.org/school-readiness

06/02/2026

Preparing children for preschool and kindergarten involves more than learning letters and numbers. Everyday life skills help children feel confident and ready for the classroom.

Here are a few important readiness skills families can practice at home:

🔹Using the bathroom independently
🔹Washing hands properly
🔹Following simple directions
🔹Asking for help when needed
🔹Managing backpacks, coats, and personal belongings

These small skills help children feel more comfortable, confident, and ready to participate in classroom routines.

At United Way of Delta County, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to start school ready to learn.

Explore more school readiness resources: uwdelta.org

05/27/2026

If potty training feels challenging, you are not alone. Every child learns at their own pace, and setbacks are a normal part of the process.

Some days will feel like big progress. Other days may feel like a step backward. What matters most is consistency, encouragement, and patience. A few gentle reminders for parents:

🔹Accidents happen and are part of learning
🔹Celebrate small victories along the way
🔹Stay calm and supportive during setbacks
🔹Keep routines simple and predictable

With time, practice, and encouragement, children build the confidence they need to succeed.

United Way of Delta County is proud to support families as they prepare children for school and lifelong learning.

05/19/2026

Potty training can feel like a big step for both children and parents. The good news is that a few simple strategies can help make the process smoother and more positive.

Here are a few helpful potty training tips to try at home:

🔹Watch for readiness signs like staying dry longer, showing interest in the bathroom, or communicating when they need to go
🔹Create a consistent routine by encouraging bathroom breaks throughout the day
🔹Use praise and encouragement to celebrate progress
🔹Practice handwashing as part of the routine
🔹Start preparing early so children feel confident before preschool or kindergarten begins

Every child develops at their own pace, and patience goes a long way.

05/14/2026

Learning to use the bathroom independently is an important milestone for young children, and it also plays a big role in kindergarten readiness.

When children feel confident managing bathroom routines on their own, they feel more comfortable and prepared in the classroom. Independence with these everyday skills allows teachers to focus on learning while children stay engaged with their classmates.

Bathroom independence helps children:

🔹Build confidence and self-esteem
🔹Focus on learning instead of worrying about accidents
🔹Follow classroom routines more easily
🔹Feel proud of taking care of themselves

School readiness is about much more than ABCs and 123s. Everyday life skills help children walk into the classroom ready to learn.

01/21/2026

Dolly parents! This is an opportunity to help shape an event to help you learn what you need to know when your child enters preschool. Contact Julie Mallard if you'd like to attend. 906-786-3736 or [email protected]

Do you have a child entering preschool this fall, or a child already in preschool? Your voice is needed at our first School Readiness Summit of 2026! We will be working on an event for families with children entering PreK this year. We welcome teachers, school administrators, early childhood professionals and families with young children. Our School Readiness Summits are about making connections, building bridges and finding solutions. The evening is free and includes dinner. Please share with your networks and anyone who might be interested in attending.

01/20/2026

Do you have a child entering preschool this fall, or a child already in preschool? Your voice is needed at our first School Readiness Summit of 2026! We will be working on an event for families with children entering PreK this year. We welcome teachers, school administrators, early childhood professionals and families with young children. Our School Readiness Summits are about making connections, building bridges and finding solutions. The evening is free and includes dinner. Please share with your networks and anyone who might be interested in attending.

01/19/2026

Today "the Book Lady" turns 80! What a treasure she is! Thank you, Dolly, for inspiring the love of reading in millions of children around the world. Happy Birthday to you!

12/23/2025

Did you know that social and emotional skills like self-control, cooperation, and problem-solving are just as important as academics when it comes to school success?

When children develop strong social and emotional foundations early on, they are more likely to:

🎒Adapt well to school routines
🤝Build healthy relationships
💪Manage stress and challenges
🌟Succeed academically and socially

Without support, children may struggle with learning, behavior, and even long-term mental health. That’s why United Way of Delta County invests in programs that nurture both literacy and emotional development.

Interested in donating or volunteering? Visit https://uwdelta.org for more information on getting involved with us!