United 4 Children

10/07/2026

Join us THIS SATURDAY!

The Strong Start, Resilient Futures ECE Mini Conference is a full day of practical strategies, connection, and learning designed for early childhood professionals.

You’ll earn 6 MOPD Clock Hours while enjoying lunch, prizes, and a fun day of learning with other educators!

📅 Saturday, October 10
⏰ Check-In: 8:30 AM | Training: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
📍 Lewis & Clark Career Center
🎓 6 MOPD Clock Hours
💲 Registration is $25 — but use code PNC1010 at checkout for 50% OFF!

That means your full-day training is just $12.50!

⏳ It’s happening this Saturday and space is limited. Grab your spot today! - Registration closes Thursday, October 8, at midnight!

Register now: https://ow.ly/hkBW50ZVwgw

10/06/2026

Today, we share a bittersweet update as Deanna “De” Finch prepares to leave her role as CEO of United 4 Children.

For more than 10 years, De has poured her heart, energy, and leadership into U4C and the mission we serve. What began with her involvement as a donor, event attendee, and board member grew into a decade of dedicated service and leadership—always rooted in a belief that children, families, and educators deserve access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

Throughout her time at U4C, De has led with passion, curiosity, determination, and—most importantly—heart. She has championed our staff, strengthened relationships throughout the community, and remained deeply committed to creating meaningful and lasting impact for children and families across Missouri.

Those who have worked alongside De know how much she values the people behind the work. She has often said that some of her best days are spent learning from our teams, hearing about their work, and seeing the impact they make every day.

As De begins her next chapter, we are incredibly grateful for the years she has given to United 4 Children, for the people she has encouraged and inspired, and for the lasting mark her leadership has made on this organization.

Thank you, De, for believing in this mission, believing in our team, and always reminding us why this work matters. 💙

Please join us in celebrating De and wishing her all the best in what comes next.

09/17/2026

📚 Mark your calendars! We have three upcoming professional-development opportunities for early childhood educators this fall:

🔵 Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Action: Meaningful Circle Times for Young Learners & The Pyramid Model and Successful Classroom Transitions
Saturday, September 26 | 9:30 AM–1:30 PM
4 MOPD Hours | $22.50, including lunch

🔴 Strong Start, Resilient Futures ECE Mini Conference
Saturday, October 10 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
6 MOPD Hours | $25, including lunch
⭐ The first 15 registrants receive 50% off!

🟢 Behaviors and Belonging
Saturday, November 14 | 9:30 AM–1:30 PM
4 MOPD Hours | $22.50, including lunch

Spaces fill quickly—register today!
🔗 united4children.org/trainingcalendar

09/15/2026

Our impact is possible because we don’t do this work alone!

In 2025, United 4 Children strengthened partnerships, supported educators and connected families with resources to help more children across Missouri thrive.

Our 2025 Annual Report celebrates what we accomplished together and the community that made it possible. Take a look at the impact we’re proud to share and the work we’re carrying forward.

Annual Report ➡️ united4children.org/financial-information/

09/11/2026

Here’s a thought-provoking video about what children learn when we give them the freedom to express themselves creatively. 🎨

Join us on Oct 10th at our Strong Start, Resilient Futures Mini Conference to learn more! Reminder, courtesy of PNC Grow up Great the first 15 people get 1/2 off!

Space is limited so register today!
https://u4c.powerappsportals.com/training-offering/?id=5f50a80d-298a-f111-ab0f-000d3a334799

09/11/2026

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the courage, compassion, and unity shown in the days that followed.

We will never forget. 🇺🇸

09/10/2026

Are you being challenged by behaviors in your classroom?

Join us to learn how brain development, developmentally appropriate practices, and trauma-informed approaches can help you better understand and respond to children's behaviors. Gain practical strategies to increase engagement, strengthen relationships, and support children's social-emotional development.

🔵 Wired to Move: Facts & Strategies for Nurturing Boys in an EC Setting
Wednesday, September 16 | 6:30–8:30 PM
2 MOPD Hours | $15

🔴 Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Action: Meaningful Circle Time for Young Learners
Thursday, September 24 | 6:00–8:00 PM
2 MOPD Hours | $15

🟢 Early Childhood Trauma
Tuesday, September 29 | 6:30–8:30 PM
2 MOPD Hours | $15

Spaces fill up fast—register today!
🔗 united4children.org/trainingcalendar

09/10/2026

We’re proud to see United 4 Children’s CEO, Deanna Finch, and Education Specialist, Sarah Grissom, featured at the 2026 Anti-Poverty Advocates Summit!

Their session, The First Five Years Matter: Supporting Resilience in Children Facing Adversity, will explore how early trauma and poverty affect brain development—and how protective factors can help children build resilience.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to share this important work with advocates from across Missouri!

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT ✨
At the 2026 Anti-Poverty Advocates Summit, we welcome Deanna Finch & Sarah Grissom with United 4 Children, who'll explore how early trauma & poverty affect brain development and the protective factors that build resilience.

Tickets for the 2026 Anti-Poverty Advocates Summit here ⬇
EmpowerMissouri.org/summit/

09/09/2026

Choosing a child care program is one of the most important decisions a family can make. While convenience and cost matter, safety should always come first.

In partnership with CVS Health & Aetna, we're excited to share our latest blog post, "What Families Should Know When Choosing a Safe Child Care Program." It offers practical guidance to help families recognize the signs of a safe, high-quality child care environment and make informed decisions with confidence.

Whether you're choosing child care for the first time or evaluating a new program, this resource can help you identify what to look for to support your child's safety and well-being.

Read the blog: https://ow.ly/mnYt50ZjgcA

09/08/2026

SAVE THE DATE! 🌟

Big things are ahead at United 4 Children, and we want you to be part of what’s next.

Join us for our State of the Agency Breakfast on November 13 to hear about our merger with Navigate STL Schools, our expanded work, and our vision for connecting children and families to quality care and learning from early childhood through high school graduation.

Connect with funders, educators, nonprofit partners, and community leaders while learning how United 4 Children is working to remove barriers, expand opportunity, and better connect families, educators, and community resources.

📅 November 13
⏰ 8:00–10:30 a.m.
📍 Delmar DivINe
🥐 Free breakfast event

Be part of what’s next for United 4 Children.

RSVP today at united4children.org/sota