United Way of Fort Smith Area is committed to supporting learning and development and a sense of belonging for children and youth so that they become responsible and contributing adults. We want to ensure children have positive developmental opportunities so that they can start school ready to succeed. We want to grow success in learning and in life.
Studies show that when kids are given regular ‘lap-time’ not ‘laptop’ time, but time spent reading books before kindergarten their vocabulary can reach 10,000 words before age 5. For a child who hasn’t had this experience, their vocabulary is about 3,000 words. We must as a community level this playing field.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides one book each month to children in Crawford, Franklin, Logan and Sebastian counties from birth to their fifth birthday whose parents register to receive them. These sturdy, colorful, age appropriate books are delivered directly to the child. Each book is selected for the developmental benefits it brings – and for the fun. There is no cost to the family.
- The local cost of the program is $25.00 per child per year.
- There is no charge or fee or donation required or expected for enrollment.