United Way of Wells County and Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School have been awarded a $25,000 grant to improve kindergarten transitions for children in Bluffton.
The Strong Start Community initiative, funded by Indiana’s Preschool Development Grant and powered by Early Learning Indiana, supports the creation of locally driven plans to ensure more Hoosier children move effectively into kindergarten. Bluffton is one of 15 Indiana communities selected to receive $25,000 through the Strong Start Community Grant. As recipients of the grant, United Way of Wells County and Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School have committed to developing and implementing kindergarten transition plans.
A smooth transition into kindergarten creates a foundation for children to build upon throughout the rest of their education journey. Without the right supports, children struggle to manage new expectations and the uncertainty of a new environment. Intentional programs that encourage family engagement and strengthen the connection between pre-K and K-12 are linked to academic gains, with the greatest gains made by children who experience social and economic risks. For more information on the Strong Start Community Grant, visit https://solutions.earlylearningin.org/strong-start-community-grant/.