"Parent involvement is key," said Barb a proud, new grandmother.

Ever since she was a young mom herself, Barb’s been involved with United Way’s early childhood education programs that prepare children for success in school.

When Barb's two daughters were little, she enrolled them in Head Start, a two-year early childhood education program funded by United Way.

Barb said she learned how to be a better parent and the program gave her kids a future. She also saw and liked how positive reinforcement works with children. She applied her new parenting skills with her daughters and said, "Our relationship really improved."

Many childcare programs can't afford advertising, so they rely on referrals and word-of-mouth promotion—and that’s just what Barb is doing. She speaks to young and expecting moms about the benefits of quality early childhood education. "I tell them there are so many resources available, much more than 20 years ago and that they should take advantage of what’s out there," she said.

Barb has created a legacy of valuing childhood education and care—one of her daughters now works in social work. She’s pleased her children learned to be caring people and said that learning the skills to be a good parent is empowering but "you have to own it."

United Way’s Agenda for Lasting Change focuses on 10 measurable goals in our three focus areas: Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Health and Independence and Nurturing Children and Families. One goal, working with key community partners, is ensuring 80 percent of Minnesota children are ready for kindergarten by 2012.

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