Until public funding of quality preschool reaches all children in Chester County, the United Way and the Chester County Intermediate Unit are racing to brighten their future.

“An alarming 83% of eligible children in Chester County are missing out on the pre-kindergarten learning opportunities that position them to succeed in school and life,” CCIU Executive Director Dr. Joe O’Brien said. “Limited federally-funded slots have compounded the issue, covering only 17% of our large and growing need.”

This fall, a free preschool program called UNIFY is being launched in Coatesville. An acronym for Uniting Neighbors Impacting Families and Youth, UNIFY brings together specialists, volunteers and resources to support child development and promote school readiness for youth ages 3 to 5.

UNIFY is an extension of other United Way early education initiatives like its Born Learning Trails and Little Free Libraries, and it is currently seeking volunteers who will help with classroom activities, parent support and greeting. An orientation for UNIFY volunteers is being planned for Sept. 8.

“Raise up your voice and rally on behalf of the economically disadvantaged children in Chester County,” United Way of Chester County President and CEO Claudia Hellebush said. “Imagine the impact, together, we can have on kids’ school readiness and educational success.”