Living in a wealthy country like the United States, we tend to forget that unfortunately, there are many people, including children, that are living in poverty in the US. And when we think of Save the Children, we probably think of an organization that goes around the world to help children in developing countries…and that isn’t wrong. But did you know that Save the Children actually provides help to 300,000 children right here in the United States? And you can help them make a difference using the Donate-a-Photo app?? I’ll explain how in a minute, but first, let’s talk about the dire state of kids living in poverty in the United States (it will shock you!).
In this great and rich country, there are 15 million children living in poverty. These children are less likely to participate in early childhood education programs and start life with disadvantages; there are consequences to their health and educational attainment.
Access to early childhood education programs are critical to a child’s social and cognitive development, but also to prepare them for the future.
Children who don’t participate in high-quality early education programs are:
- 50 percent more likely to be placed in special education
- 25 percent more likely to drop out of school
- 60 percent more likely to never attend college
- 70 percent more likely to be arrested for a violent crime
- 40 percent more likely to become a teen parent.
Not only do children in rural or poor communities not have access to early childhood education opportunities, many don’t have the things we consider basic and take for granted, like books! 60 percent of children who are born in poverty do not own books, so they don’t have the opportunity to develop a love of reading.
Reading helps children learn vocabulary and stretch their imaginations. Lack of access to books is one of the reasons why children living in poverty also experience a word deficit by age 3. By that age, they have heard an average of 30 million fewer words addressed to them than children from more affluent, professional families.
Check out the great work that Save the Children is doing here in the United States:
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You can help Save the Children receive funds to support this important work– all with the click of your smartphone! (and we all know, we love taking selfies!)
This holiday season, if you select Save the Children® through Donate-a-Photo app, JOHNSON’S® is TRIPLING their donation in support of early childhood education programs.
All you have to do is download the app and start uploading pics! Make sure you select Save the Children as the organization you support. You can download a pic a day! Have fun! Don’t forget to tage #SoMuchMore
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Johnson & Johnson and Latina Bloggers Connect. The opinions and text are all mine.
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