Organization’s new Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions Program, one of its three ‘Direct Impact Programs’, is now fully funded for three years under the organization’s new dual philanthropic model. Greenwich Alliance for Education was the initial funder for Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions over sixteen months ago and also closed the three-year funding goal in early February, allowing the Greenwich United Way to announce the launch of this program.

GREENWICH, Conn., — The Greenwich United Way’s Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions (ECAGS), one of its Direct Impact Programs (DIP), employs a two-pronged approach and is the first of the three DIP programs to reach its fundraising goal. The program was created to close the achievement gap in Greenwich. The proven, data-driven program is launching in collaboration with Family Centers, YMCA of Greenwich, Greenwich Public Schools, and others. All are working together to solve this persistent issue.

“Back in September of 2016, the Greenwich United Way started fundraising for our Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions, a program that strikes right to the heart of our vision: ‘to ensure every member of our community has the opportunity to be healthy, educated and self-sufficient.’ Thanks to our generous donors, we are very proud to announce we have reached our goal of funding the program for three years and we are ready to launch”, said Greenwich United Way CEO, David Rabin. He continued, “No one agency can solve the achievement gap issue. The Greenwich United Way, as it has been doing for 85 years, is uniquely positioned to do the research, raise the funds and bring together the most qualified parties to address a need and develop a lasting solution. We are fortunate to be able to assemble such partners as Family Centers, the Greenwich Family YMCA, Greenwich Public Schools and others to bring this proven, data-driven solution to our town in an effort to allow at-risk children to enter kindergarten on a level playing field with their non-at-risk peers.”

In 2015, the President’s Council of Economic Advisors reported that for every $1 spent on early childhood education, there is an $8.60 return. The program has a two-pronged approach. The first prong of the ECAGS program is for at-risk children ages birth to three years old and the second prong addresses children ages three to five years old. The first prong is an at-home visitation program, using a four-step approach to improve the lives of the kids and their parents, called Parents As Teachers (PAT). PAT is a 30-year-old proven data-driven solution to close the achievement gap for at-risk kids who are entering kindergarten. According to research, at-risk kids in Greenwich are entering kindergarten 28 to 36 points behind their non-at-risk peers.

The second prong of this program targets children three to five years old by placing a preschool instructional coach in 13 at-risk preschool classrooms to enhance and enrich those curriculums. A Yale University study showed that inserting an instructional coach in preschools is eight times more effective than sending those teachers to traditional workshops. Research also showed that the achievement gap starts before kindergarten and when at-risk children go through both programs they will enter kindergarten on a level playing field with their non-at-risk peers. “The Greenwich United Way partnership in support of future and current Greenwich Public School students contributes to growing a vibrant Greenwich community. With focus, attention, and efforts, the Greenwich community has coalesced around Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions in an effort to eradicate pervasive gaps that are evident as early as during the preschool years. With this intervention program and services model, our most vulnerable youth receive expert attention, care, and support in an effort to better prepare them to access educational experiences” said Dr. Jill Gildea, Superintendent, Greenwich Public Schools.

Donors interested in learning about all Greenwich United Way Direct Impact Programs can contact Greenwich United Way CEO, David Rabin (drabin@greenwichunitedway.org or 203-869-2221). Visit Greenwich United Way online for more information (greenwichunitedway.org). Visit Greenwich United Way on Facebook (facebook.com/greenwichunitedway), Twitter (twitter.com/GreenwichUW) or Instagram (instagram.com/greenwichunitedway) to learn more about the Organization and people it serves in real time.

About Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions 

Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions (ECAGS) was launched by the Greenwich United Way under the organization’s Direct Impact Programs in May of 2018. The program’s objective is to narrow the Achievement Gap through a two-pronged approach: an evidence-based home visitation program for low-income families and children ages birth to 3 coupled with an enriched pre-school instructional coaching program serving a large percentage of low-income children ages 3-5.  The Greenwich United Way provides the only on-going program funding for the program. Greenwich United Way’s program partners are Family Centers and YMCA of Greenwich. For more information please visit Greenwich United Way online (https://greenwichunitedway.org/direct-impact-programs/). #GUW_DirectImpactPrograms #ECAGS

About Direct Impact Programs

As part of the Greenwich United Way’s dual philanthropic model the Direct Impact Programs (DIP) offers Greenwich United Way donors  an alternative investment option to the organization’s Annual Campaign. The new model positively impacts the community by spearheading solutions through three programs; Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions, Youth Impact Programs, and Human Services Technology Solutions, with lasting results. Each DIP area was created in response to the Greenwich United Way’s Community Planning Council Needs Assessment. For more information please visit Greenwich United Way online (https://greenwichunitedway.org/direct-impact-programs/). #GUW_DirectImpactPrograms #WeAreGreenwich

About Greenwich United Way

The Greenwich United Way (GUW) shares a name with approximately 1,200 other similar organizations across the nation, although the Greenwich, Connecticut division is a privately incorporated, locally governed, nonprofit agency. As a volunteer-driven organization, the Greenwich United Way exists to help identify and address the health, educational and self-sufficiency needs specific to its local community and to create and affect meaningful, lasting solutions. Through various fundraising efforts and on-going research, the organization is able to directly grant the funds necessary to accomplish this goal. The Greenwich United Way also invests in and conducts collaborative efforts to address broad-based community needs with partnering nonprofit agencies. Visit Greenwich United Way online to learn more (greenwichunitedway.org). Instagram @GreenwichUnitedWay Twitter @GreenwichUW #WeAreGreenwich