Preparing Aurora's young children for greater success in school and life.
SPARK is the hub of a valuable wheel.
An education initiative of Fox Valley United Way, SPARK (Strong, Prepared and Ready for Kindergarten) connects underserved Aurora, Illinois, families with early education and childcare opportunities that prepare their young children for success in school and life.
Families
SPARK helps underserved Aurora parents with children age birth through five by connecting and enrolling children to early childhood programs and education, parent workshops and offering developmental screenings.
Community
Aurora citizens can make the city stronger for themselves and their neighbors through becoming involved in SPARK.
Program Providers
SPARK supports early childhood teachers and professionals through Early Childhood trainings and events offering professional networking opportunities.
Policymakers
SPARK encourages city, state and federal representatives to raise awareness of the value and importance of early childhood development and to influence policy.
Funders
SPARK’s work in early childhood development is made possible with support from foundations, grant issuers, community leaders, organizations and citizens.
SPARK creates collaborations that shape future outcomes for children. We raise awareness of the value of early childhood development, influence social policy and coordinate resources for parents. We also help early childhood teachers and childcare providers enhance their professional skills.
Kindergarten readiness does not happen overnight. Providing exposure to language-rich environments, access to quality social activities and a safe space to develop parental skills allows a child to reach their full potential. Developmental screenings can help parents determine both if a child is meeting their milestones and opportunities for growth. Screenings are an essential starting point to increase a child’s development. SPARK playgroups help with social lessons and establish play-based learning models! SPARK’s parent committee, café based discussion and Abriendo Puertas program help with parental skill development.
Our services are geared towards Aurora’s families with young children from birth through age five (the “early learning years.”) Some of our free services include community play groups, parent cafes, developmental screenings, Lantern, a parent resource guide, and playful learning installations around the community!
SPARK takes pride in creating purposeful and meaningful activities and spaces so Aurora’s children can thrive and gain the confidence they need by the time they reach kindergarten.
Developmental Screenings
Participating in a screening will give you time to talk about your child’s development. You will also receive fun and simple activity ideas you can use with your child to help them continue to learn and grow.
Click here to set up your screening.
Gateways to Early Childhood
SPARK’s Gateway to Early Childhood Programs serves as a single point of entry for Aurora families with children from birth to age 5 who are interested in learning more about and enrolling in early childhood programs and resources.
Click here to complete our interest form and get started.
Playgroups
These free events are an excellent way for your little one to interact with new friends and to try new things.
Click here for information on our upcoming events.
Playful Learning Aurora
Our collaborative project has transformed the everyday public space of a sidewalk into a learning opportunity.
Click here to check out our installation at Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry.
Lantern (previously Bright By Text)
SPARK has partnered with Lantern to provide invaluable information from early childhood experts on topics including developmental milestones, brain development, mental health and resilience, social-emotional competence, STEM, language and literacy, nutrition, health, and more.
Click here to sign up.