Focus that moves children forward.
LIFTOFF WNY’S THREE FOCUS AREAS ARE UNIVERSAL DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING, CHILD CARE, AND TRANSPORTATION. TOGETHER, THEY REPRESENT THE AREAS WE BELIEVE ARE THE HIGHEST PRIORITY IN OUR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT.
Universal Developmental Screening
Assessing and addressing a child’s developmental progress is important. Early, frequent screening of young children for healthy growth and development is recommended to help identify potential problems or areas needing further evaluation. By catching issues early, children can be provided with treatment or intervention more effectively, and additional delays may be prevented.
Last year, Liftoff joined with Help Me Grow Western New York in a shared leadership role. This decision was made to help expand the organization’s impact on early childhood development and assist in policy advocacy for its long-term sustainability at the local and state levels.
High-Quality Child Care
Studies show that children who receive high-quality child care do better in school and life. Issues with accessing high-quality, affordable child care represent a major challenge for the region. Child care is expensive, and the high cost is a major obstacle for families. Parents are struggling with the lack of options, especially for infants and toddlers.
Through Liftoff’s aligned action, we seek to advance policy solutions that grow the supply and equitable access of child care programs that match families’ preference and ensure that child care is more affordable for families across the region.
Transportation and Accessibility
All children should have access to critical early childhood supports and services regardless of where they live. Transportation and technology challenges make it difficult for families to access the services they need. This problem is particularly acute in rural areas, where public transportation and broadband options are limited.
Though issues with transportation and accessibility are complex and ever-changing, Liftoff is working to identify and develop potential solutions as a member of the WNY Digital Equity Coalition.