Did you know that 90 percent of our brains are “hard-wired” by age 5?
Early learning is a critical part of childhood development—and it can happen anywhere, at any time. That’s why we developed United Way Born Learning Trails.
The Born Learning Trail turns everyday experiences into teachable moments.
This interactive trail contains signs with instructions for simple games that will turn an excursion at the park into fun learning moments for young children.
The trail’s theme of Watch! Stop! Learn! Play! encourages parents and caregivers to follow the child’s lead, building the child’s curiosity and confidence, and reinforces learning opportunities present in everyday life.
The Born Learning Trail supports language, literacy and social skills development, and reminds us that learning can be fun!
Why Born Learning Trails?
We know increased investment in pre-K development fosters healthy growth, decreasing the likelihood of children being affected by various other adversities later on in life. Because of the power of early learning, United Way has established kindergarten readiness as our primary Education goal.
Visit a Born Learning Trail
Dana Colbert Park, Savoy
203 E. Church St, Savoy
Sponsored by Emerging Community Leaders and the Village of Savoy
Beardsley Park, Champaign
1006 N. Walnut St, Champaign
Sponsored by Emerging Community Leaders, Barham Benefit Group and the Champaign Park District
NEW IN FALL 2020: Garden Hills Park, Champaign
1701 Bloomington Rd, Champaign
Sponsored by Champaign Rotary
Wabash Park, Rantoul
520 E. Wabash Ave, Rantoul
Sponsored by Emerging Community Leaders
Sponsor a Born Learning Trail
Local companies, service clubs or groups are able to sponsor the installation of a new trail. Trail sponsorship is a commitment to the community.
Each Born Learning Trail is a partnership between United Way, local groups, and municipal Park Districts or Recreation departments. This ensures the Trail is kept in good shape at all times.
For more information, contact Mary Noel Stefan.
