Lauralen Avery
Early Learning Resource Manager
478.550.5727
LAvery@UnitedWayCG.com
Issue: Many parents and caregivers may not have access to evidence-based parenting principles that are crucial for promoting children's development from birth to age three. Without knowledge of these essential practices, parents might miss out on valuable opportunities to foster their children's growth and well-being during these critical early years.
UWCG's Role: United Way of Central Georgia recognizes the importance of providing parents and caregivers with the necessary tools to support children's development effectively. Through the Basics Campaign, UWCG plays a vital role in addressing this issue. By promoting the five evidence-based parenting and caregiving principles known as "The Basics," UWCG aims to ensure that every child, regardless of background, can benefit from these essential learning experiences.
Impact: The Basics Campaign has a significant impact on families and communities, empowering parents and caregivers to create nurturing and enriching environments for children. By widely disseminating The Basics principles and partnering with various institutions and allies, UWCG ensures that every parent and caregiver receives comprehensive support from family and friends. As a result, children are given the best possible start in life, setting the stage for a brighter future and fostering stronger, more supportive communities. Together, we are working to make The Basics an integral part of everyday life, benefiting children across Central Georgia.
History
The Basics, Inc. grew out of the Achievement Gap Initiative at Harvard University in partnership with the Black Philanthropy Fund in Boston. The Basics' mission is to bolster brain development for social, emotional, and cognitive skill building among children from birth to age 3 as a sturdy foundation for school readiness across whole communities. The Basics operates under the auspices of Third Sector New England (TSNE) MissionWorks.
80% of brain growth happens in the first three years of life. During this period, skill gaps between socio-economic, racial, and ethnic groups become clearly apparent. This does not need to be! Everyday interactions between children, their parents, and other caregivers provide abundant opportunities to give children from every background a more equal start in life.
The Basics Principles
Maximizing love and managing stress helps caregivers stay emotionally present with their children. Consistent, nurturing relationships and freedom from excessive stress promote children’s development and emotional wellbeing.
Talking, singing, and pointing accelerate language development, which in turn accelerates children’s early learning and engagement with the surrounding world.
Counting, grouping, and comparing lay the foundations for mathematical thinking, helping children make sense of the numbers and categories they encounter in the world.
Exploring through movement and play encourages curiosity, exploration, and discovery, and supports the development of motor skills and a healthy body.
Reading and discussing stories engages children in thinking and builds their knowledge, reasoning, and early literacy skills.
Click the links below to access more materials from The Basics.
For more information about The Basics please contact:
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