Ready to Learn Backpacks Given Out at Early Childhood Screening

The Winona Early Childhood Initiative has teamed up with the Early Childhood Screening Team to give kids another reason to get ready to learn--bright red backpacks filled with crayons, wikki stiks, rhyming books, and the ever-popular blunt-tipped scissors.

Each child who attends Early Childhood Screening (scheduled through Winona Community Education) receives the goody-filled backpack at the end of his or her appointment. The backpacks are designed to be fun for kids, but more importantly, to give them opportunities to practice skills that all three to five year olds need to know to be ready for kindergarten.

"This has been a great way of getting materials into the hands of kids and their parents," said Lezlea Dahlke, WECI Co-coordinator and Winona Children's Librarian. "We wanted to to a project that would be fun for kids and reach a lot of families. It's been great working with the Screening team because they know so much about encouraging kids to get excited about learning."

For more information about Early Childhood Screening, contact Winona Community Education at 507-494-0900.