Community Efforts Aim to Connect Families with Vital Preschool and Health Resources
Many parents of young children remain unaware of crucial resources such as free preschool and health screenings. To bridge this gap, several events are being organized in Lackawanna County to help families better prepare their children for school.
Paul Stefani, a retired principal from the Scranton School District and the current director of educational services for the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike counties, noted, “School districts have seen a tremendous increase in families that are arriving at kindergarten and would have benefited from services but have not connected for a number of reasons.” The challenge, according to Stefani, is that parents often struggle to find and access these essential services.
These upcoming events are part of the United Way’s Success by Six initiative. In recognition of this effort, Lackawanna County commissioners have declared April as “Start Strong Together” Month. The initiative aims to provide families with direct access to service providers, allowing them to ask questions and receive guidance on available resources.
The “Start Strong Together Community Days of Action” are scheduled on three consecutive Saturdays, each event running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at different locations:
- April 11: Riverside Elementary School, 308 W. Davis St., Taylor
- April 18: The Wright Center, 501 S. Washington Ave., Scranton
- April 25: Carbondale Elementary School, 103 Brooklyn St., Carbondale
During these events, families can explore a range of services and referrals including:
- Affordable childcare options
- Enrollment in Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs
- Early Intervention services for children up to age 5
- Developmental screenings and behavioral supports
- Access to medical, dental, and vision care
- Parenting resources and advice
Research emphasizes the importance of the first five years of life for a child’s development and long-term success. Yet, many families, especially those underserved or unaware, encounter obstacles in accessing early education and health services. The United Way aims to mitigate these barriers through continuous support beyond April, offering annual events and an online platform for year-round assistance.
Stacy Nivert, executive director of Discovery Montessori and a coalition member, highlighted the significance of early intervention, stating, “If we can get to those children and those families earlier and give them the supports they need from an earlier age, then everybody benefits — the children, the families, the community.” This proactive approach ensures children receive the necessary support before entering the public school system, fostering a robust start to their educational journey.
