By RYAN SKAITH
The United Way of Greater St. Joseph has announced the launch of its 2026 KinderClub program, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten for families in the St. Joseph area.
The program, part of the United Way Success By 6 movement, targets children entering kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year. Sessions are hosted directly at local elementary schools and led by school staff to provide parents and caregivers with the tools and resources necessary for a smooth transition into formal education.
“Success By 6 is a community-based movement of public and private partners,” the organization said in a statement, noting that the coalition includes representatives from business, government, education, and childcare. The shared goal is ensuring children are successful learners from their very first day of school.
KinderClub sessions are free of charge. To encourage literacy and continued learning at home, families will receive a free book and educational tools at each session they attend.
The 2026 schedule includes five participating schools across the region:
- St. Paul Lutheran School: Mondays; March 2, 9, 23, and 30 from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
- North Andrew Elementary: Tuesdays; March 3, 17, and 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Mid-Buchanan Elementary School: Thursdays; March 5 and 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- St. James Catholic School: Tuesdays; March 24 and April 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Avenue City Elementary School: Tuesdays and Thursdays; April 21, 23, 28, and 30 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Organizers emphasize that the program is a collaborative effort, requiring the participation of both the child and their primary caregiver to maximize school readiness skills.
Parents interested in registering or seeking more information can visit stjosephunitedway.org or contact the United Way of Greater St. Joseph at 816-364-2381.