Reading Matters
The purpose of the Reading Matters program is to improve the literacy skills of the children in Yellowstone County and provide better access to quality reading material so children from birth to age six are better prepared for school and life. We have chosen to partner with existing programs that help families to overcome barriers.
Partners : Angela’s Piazza, Community Day Care, Yellowstone County Family Drug Treatment Court, Family Tree Center, Rimrock Foundation, Yellowstone CASA, Young Families Early Head Start, and YWCA Billings
Getting Ready for Kindergarten
Calendars and bags provide parents and caregivers with daily activity ideas and tools to use with preschool aged children to better prepare for the Kindergarten experience. Calendars are offered free of charge to all area households with 4 or 5-year-old, pre-kindergarten children.
Community Playgroup
Play is an important need for young children. Community Playgroup offers a variety of age-appropriate activities which promote healthy development. The program is open to all children ages birth to 5 years in Yellowstone County. Facilities are provided by the City of Billings Parks and Recreation Department.
CARE Academy
Children After-School Recreation and Education is a developmental program in a safe and nurturing environment. CARE Academy is a collaboration between Billings Public Schools and United Way of Yellowstone County that gives 255 families before and after-school care at five elementary schools throughout Billings. The program is tuition-based and offers assistance for families with limited income.
Discover Zone
This year round school/community partnership delivers out-of-school time, skill-building activities to young people who attend Lewis and Clark Middle School and Will James Middle School. Activities are taught by community agencies and/or volunteers as part of the Discover Zone collaboration.
Partners : Billings Public Schools, Girl Scouts, Yellowstone County 4-H , MSU Billings, Yellowstone Art Museum, NASA, Rocky Mountain College, Foster Grandparents, Friendship House and the First Tee.United Way Led Programs