Our Work

Success by Six

United Way recognizes the economic and social benefits of investing in early childhood development through the Success By 6 (SB6) initiative. SB6 examines and promotes effective ways to help ensure that the most vulnerable children of Knoxville enter their school-age years healthy and ready to learn.

Organizations and individuals interested in cooperative efforts to serve the very youngest of Knoxville's population meet regularly throughout the year to discuss creative ways for gaining attention and resources for children from birth to six years of age.

One such creative method for reaching young children and parents planned for implementation this year is the Wonder Walk. The Wonder Walk began with the idea that everyday moments with children can become learning opportunities and has evolved to include a series of colorful, engaging signs meant to facilitate bonding and learning moments between young children and their caregivers.

Experienced childcare professionals developed the content for the Wonder Walk signs, which range from ways to keep children moving, to stimulating thought about their surroundings, to teaching the value of recycling. United Way, in partnership with ACE Hardware and Knoxville City Parks and Recreation, plans to install the walk in September in a heavily used public park.

In 2005 United Way, the Ad Council and Civitas launched the Born Learning public engagement campaign to help parents and caregivers create early learning opportunities for young children. Through national public service advertising, a Web site, educational material and community mobilization support, Born Learning provides "doable" action steps that are fun and easy to help prepare young children for school.

Find out more about turning everyday moments into learning moments by visiting www.bornlearning.org