"There's a study that shows if you don't have access to high-quality preschool, you start kindergarten 12-14 months behind," says Banu Valladares, executive director of Charlotte Bilingual Preschool. "If you start behind, then you're twice as likely to fail the reading test in third grade and if you don't pass that, you're four times as likely to drop out of high school."
In March, SHARE Charlotte’s Spotlight Series focuses on local organizations working to improve literacy and school readiness in Charlotte. These organizations do everything from provide free books, to reading support to free preschool. See who they are and find ways to help. #CLTLovesToRead
Faster. Fairer. Kinder. That’s how we at Google Fiber describe our gigabit speed internet service, but it is also a vision we have for the world.
Faster. We want individuals to have the ability to quickly and easily make a positive impact on issues that matter most to them.
Fairer. We seek to create communities where everyone has a chance to succeed.
Kinder. We imagine a society where generosity and compassion are the norm.
Volunteering makes the world go round. It just does. By definition to volunteer is to freely offer to do something. That's it. Holding a door open for someone, helping a neighbor with a project, taking a meal to a family with a new baby all fit the bill and are all efforts greatly appreciated. But there are those who work -- for free -- right here in Charlotte to make our city better for those around them. These are our SHAREheroes and we'd like you to meet them.
Follow us on Instagram as we unveil new SHAREheroes throughout the month.
*Photo provided by Shepherd's Center of Charlotte
As 40-somethings in the midst of our own parenting journeys, my husband and I are taking on a growing responsibility in caring for our own parents. My parents relocated to Charlotte several years ago and are thankfully healthy and active. My mother-in-law who requires extra care will also be moving to Charlotte this summer.
*Photo provided by Hope Haven.
In my 14 years of parenting, one aspect I have yet to master is the dreaded birthday party. There’s the cleaning — if you’re hosting. The entertainment — and subsequent cost. The food. And please, let’s not forget the treat bags. Kids who attend your party will have fun. With any luck, your child will remember the party and then you’ll spend the next 364 days trying to one-up yourself.