500 Under 5
Too many children arrive at kindergarten unprepared, which can result in a lifetime of challenges. While all families want the best for their children, many are unable to realize that dream.
500 under 5 is finding 500 children under age five in two north Minneapolis communities, learning about their lives and connecting them with needed resources so they arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed. The ultimate goal is to find cost-effective and family-friendly solutions to ensure children enter kindergarten ready to learn.
500 under 5 focuses on two north Minneapolis communities:- Farview community: I-94 to Emerson Avenue North and 23rd to 35th Avenues North (parts of McKinley and Hawthorne neighborhoods; includes Cityview and Nellie Stone Johnson schools)
- Bethune community: I-94 to James Avenue North and Olson Memorial Highway to Plymouth Avenue North (parts of Sumner/Glenwood and Near North neighborhoods; includes Bethune school)
500 under 5 uses a family-centered approach using three primary strategies.
Engage parents early and often to build trusting relationships and provide parent education:- Family Support Advocates will recruit families and connect them with services and supports.
- Parents Club meetings will introduce families to 500 under 5, to each other and to parenting help.
Connect families to high-quality early childhood settings and resources to support their child’s school readiness:
- Parent Aware child care ratings will help families identify quality settings.
- Pre-K allowances will provide financial assistance for quality early childhood opportunities.
Gather and share information to help families and improve their access to choices:
- Information about children’s language, literacy and health development will help parents understand and support their child’s progress toward being school-ready.
- Information about family needs and service gaps will help
drive community-based service changes and ensure services are as good as
possible for kids and families.
Questions? Contact Kristina Lemmer, 500 Under 5 Project Administrator, 612.673.2131, kristina.lemmer@ci.minneapolis.mn.us