Schools want kindergarten students to have a basic set of skills before they enter the classroom. They need to be able to recognize their name in written form, to identify shapes and colors, and count at least to ten. Data from Cape Girardeau's school district shows that 25% of children entering kindergarten are deficient in these skills.

United Way of Southeast Missouri is kicking off a new campaign called "Born Learning." The campaign will strive to educate caregivers on how to prepare young kids for their first year in school.

Dr. Mary Dillvan is the chairperson of the Born Learning Campaign. She spoke with SEPR's Tom Harte.

Web Resource: www.bornlearning.org

Kickoff Event: Saturday, October 6, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School. Registration will be in the old gym near the outdoor track.

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