On May 31, 2012, the University of Phoenix, in conjunction with United Way’s Success By 6 Initiative, launched the opening of the Valparaiso Children’s Library “Born Learning Trail.” Valparaiso Library is located at 103 Jefferson in Valparaiso. This is the first Born Learning Trail located in a library in our region. Typically, Born Learning Trails are outdoors in park settings. Success By 6 and the University of Phoenix worked with the Children’s Librarians to modify and incorporate the Born Learning Trail for a library setting. This involved stenciling the carpet and changing and modifying the traditional signs used in Born Learning Trails, as well as changing the wording on these signs.
There are 7 signs on the Born Learning Trail, each including individual educational activities for children. For example, the Watch! Stop! Play! sign encourages the caregiver to follow the child’s lead, building the child’s curiosity and confidence while reinforcing the learning already under way. The different activities are designed to get caregivers to interact with children to boost language and literacy development. At each station, children are encouraged to interact with their environment and with their companions and become physically and mentally active. Also, the University of Phoenix donated Little Tykes learning centers and new furniture and interactive educational displays for the children’s section at the library.
Jacob Wright enjoyed his time at the opening playing with the newly donated computers. Jacob Wright said, “The computers are exciting and fun learning experience for my daughter.’
The trail was built as the result of a partnership between the University of Phoenix and United Way Success By 6. University of Phoenix has sponsored two other Born Learning Trails located at Valparaiso’s Hilltop Neighborhood House and Munster’s Centennial Park. University of Phoenix also sponsored a Success By 6 full scholarship for an early childhood professional earlier this spring.
Sharon Kish, President of United Way of Porter County, said “that we are so excited about our partnership with the University of Phoenix and the Valparaiso Library. Preparing our children for success in school is one of the most important gifts that adults can provide our kids. We are grateful to the University of Phoenix for investing in our children’s success.”
United Way's Success By 6 program is the nation's largest network of early childhood coalitions focused on boosting school readiness. Northwest Indiana United Way Success by Six is a regional early childhood initiative of the United Ways of Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties. We envision a Northwest Indiana where all children have the physical, emotional, social and cognitive skills and supports they need to be successful in school and life. Northwest Indiana United Way Success by Six aims to create optimal conditions in the community that will consistently meet the developmental needs of children under age six and their families.
Photo: Jacob Wright and his daughter, Azure Lopez, use a computer at the learning center at the Valparaiso Childrens Library’s Born Learning Trail.