Women United Highlights Early Learning Support in QC That’s Where Feature

Women United and Ready by 5 are in the spotlight! A recent segment on Quad Cities Live offered viewers a closer look at how United Way Quad Cities Women United members are helping shape brighter futures for local children. The conversation, anchored by Morgan Ottier, highlighted the powerful role women across the Quad Cities are playing in advancing early childhood success through the Ready by 5 initiative.

During the interview, United Way Quad Cities Chief Strategy Officer Angela Snyder and Women United Steering Committee Chair Annette Parejko shared their passion for ensuring more children enter kindergarten ready to learn and thrive. Their discussion underscored how kindergarten readiness is not just about the first day of school – it’s about building strong foundations for lifelong success.

“Ready by 5 is about meeting families where they are and helping parents feel confident in their role as their child’s first teacher,” says Snyder. “When we invest in early learning and support parents with simple, practical tools, we’re strengthening not just individual families, but the future of our entire community.”

During the interview, Parejko spoke to the importance of making sure all Quad Cities Children can start school confident and ready to learn. “Early literacy is huge in the early learning space.  When kids are ready for kindergarten it leads them to success down the road,” she said. “When they are ready and reading at grade level by 3^rd Grade, they are more likely to graduate high school – then more likely to go onto college or trade school – or get a good job in their community.”

Ottier, who will also serve as emcee for the upcoming Women United event, shared her enthusiasm for what’s ahead, noting her excitement to celebrate the momentum and the community behind it at Women United: The Next Season in Bloom on May 14.