August 8, 2006

UNITED WAY AND MHA DISTRIBUTING CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENTAL HANDOUTS
New “your child @” Series Will Reach 8,000 Families

Lancaster, PA (August 8, 2006) – After 30 years of delivering advice to Lancaster County parents and care givers, Pierre the Pelican is flying the coop. Providing important information in his place, United Way Success By 6® and Metal Health Association are distributing the contemporary your child @ series of children’s development guides to 8,000 area families.

Similar to Pierre, your child @ consists of ten double-sided fliers with easy to read highlights, tips and suggestions for parents and caregivers of children age 5 and younger. Available in English and Spanish, the ten publications include the ages of; birth, 2 months, 4-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 24-36 months, 3 years, 4 years and 5 years.

Topics covered in the free publications include general health, nutrition, growth, sleep, safety, cleaning and bathing. Additional subjects range from bedwetting and toilet training to social development and preparing for Kindergarten.

“The many letters of thanks that Pierre received over the years demonstrates how much parents appreciate this helpful resource,” said Pixie Berman, Director of United Way Success By 6. “In a quick, bullet point style, your child @ provides valuable information on what young children need every day to ensure early learning success. And we are delighted to maintain our partnership in this effort with the Mental Health Association in Lancaster.”

Parents and care givers who received Pierre the Pelican by mail, now will receive the age appropriate your child @ flier at their mailing address. New mothers at Women and Babies, Ephrata Community Hospital and Heart of Lancaster will receive the first two publications during their hospital stay and may register to receive the remaining eight at home. Families adopting children or foster service parents also are eligible to receive the educational materials.

To receive your child @, please call Mental Health Association in Lancaster County at 397-7461.

your child @ is part of the Born Learning public engagement campaign. A partnership between Success By 6 United Way of America, the Ad Council and Civitas, the campaign helps parents, caregivers and communities create quality early learning opportunities for young children. For more information on Born Learning, please call Pixie Berman, United Way Success By 6 at 394-0731 or visit bornlearning.com.