2 minute read
Imagination Library & kidsLINK Programs
WRITTEN BY INGRID LINDQUIST AND KAREN DECOTIS
With the school year back in session, many parents are breathing a sigh of relief. Families with school-age children no longer have to scramble to find child care, summer camps and activities for their children every day of the week, and instead can rely on teachers and classes to engage their children.
But what about families with children who are not school age? Or families that need additional care for their children after school? For these families, Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) offers programs for children ages 0-5 that require after-school care. Programs like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and kidsLINK afterschool.
For families with school-age children that live in Gallatin
County, the kidsLINK Afterschool Programs will again operate at local schools. GGUW partners directly with the Bozeman and Belgrade School Districts to offer quality out-of-school time programming from end of school day until 5:45 p.m. at all elementary sites. United Way also supports partner sites with funding and Professional Development including: Manhattan, Three Forks, White Sulphur Springs, Anderson School, LaMotte School and Gallatin Gateway School.
We are pleased that we will be bringing back this service for families that help parents finish their work day while children are cared for and engaged. kidsLINK Afterschool provides a safe, fun place where elementary school-aged students can participate in outdoor activity, homework help, literacy, games, tech and art programs. After school is a time for nutritious snacks for hungry, tired kids, and staff helps to navigate those tender hours when children are finished with the school day, but not yet home with family. The kidsLINK Afterschool staff is trained in various evidencebased curricula, social-emotional learning, conflict resolution, health, well-being, academic enrichment, and STEM/STEAM. We strive to support students in multiple ways, encouraging them to find their spark in learning and expression.
For Bozeman and Belgrade registration and information, including the community-focused middle school kidsLINK Afterschool Program at Belgrade Middle School, visit our website: www. greatergallatinunitedway.org/programs/kidslinkafterschool-program. Scholarships are available for Bozeman and Belgrade Schools, and this application is on the webpage. For partner sites, please contact them directly. If you are interested in working with children at an afterschool program, please contact our United Way office at 406-587-2194. We are looking to grow our staff to serve as many children as needed.
GGUW kidsLINK will follow all Covid- 19 recommendations and mandates from the school districts, the Gallatin County Health Department and the CDC. Our vision is a healthy Montana with open schools.
If you are a resident of Gallatin County and have a child ages 0-5, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) is the perfect FREE program for you. DPIL puts books into the hands and hearts of children across the world. Through DPIL, Dolly wants children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books create. DPIL books are specially-selected, age-appropriate, high-quality books that are mailed to registered children at home each month from birth to age 5. And best of all, it is a free gift to the family.
The National Commission on Reading states that, “the single most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school.” This is why Greater Gallatin United Way chose to be the local affiliate that offers the Imagination Library for Gallatin County families, because we believe educational success and early literacy are important for our community’s well-being. If you live in Gallatin County with a child under the age of 5, enroll for free at www.greatergallatinunitedway.org/ dolly-parton. Greater Gallatin United Way is committed to grow our youth through literacy, activity and community.
