Kindergarten Countdown readies children for school

6/16/2015

6/16/2015 (La Porte, Starke counties, IN) - Young children in La Porte and Starke counties are counting down the days to when they will start the big K: kindergarten! To help them prepare, Indiana University Health La Porte and Starke Hospitals, in conjunction with United Way of La Porte County, is supporting a program called Kindergarten Countdown.

This summer program serves more than 56 children in La Porte and Knox, who need the extra push to be prepared to enter kindergarten so they have the best chance at succeeding in school. IU Health provided backpacks, volunteers, and more than 800 books, so every child receives a book every day of the program to take home and keep.

"Getting our children ready to succeed in school is really a monumental task when you think about it. It takes all of us - parents and community - to be mindful of the barriers some children face, and provide creative programs to help break down these barriers," said G. Thor Thordarson, president and CEO of IU Health La Porte Hospital and volunteer for Kindergarten Countdown. "It's pretty amazing to see the creative lesson plans that the teachers develop to get the children engaged and ready for school. We're pleased to be able to support the education of our children, which, in the long run, builds a happier, healthier and stronger community."

Craig Felty, president of IU Health Starke Hospital and chief nursing officer at IU Health La Porte and Starke, also volunteers with Kindergarten Countdown. He said he enjoys seeing the positive influence of Kindergarten Countdown on the young students. "When we walk into the classrooms as volunteers and see how our teaching professionals are able to engage children at such a young age, I'm really happy to see young minds growing and expanding. These children are inspired with a positive influence, so they are learning at an early age to enjoy school."

Kindergarten Countdown is an IU Health initiative that many facilities are participating in within their communities throughout the state. The program aligns well with the mission of IU Health La Porte and Starke hospitals, which is to improve the health of their patients and communities.

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