How Do I Enroll My Child?

It’s with heavy hearts that we share this devastating news:

As of today, we are no longer accepting new enrollments for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Spokane County.

This decision did not come lightly.

Due to Washington State’s recent choice to cut its 50% funding match, the monthly cost to run the program has doubled—from $13,000 to $26,000. Without that support, United Way of Spokane County simply cannot afford to sustain the program on our own.

Unless we receive private funding from local foundations, businesses, or corporate sponsors, this beloved program will come to a full stop.
That means children currently enrolled will no longer receive books after July.

This is a heartbreaking moment for our team, our partners, and the thousands of families who rely on these books to foster a love of reading, prepare their kids for kindergarten, and build stronger family bonds.

But we’re not giving up hope.

We believe in Spokane County. We believe in our community’s heart. And we believe there are leaders out there who will stand with us in this urgent time.

SPONSOR A CHILD!

Interested in supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Spokane County? A gift of only $30 sponsors 

a child for a year in the program. ($150 for five years).
 
 

  LAYING THE FOUNDATION

• Early literacy lays the foundation for a child's future success in school and beyond, shaping their ability to learn, communicate, and think critically. Children who develop strong reading skills early are more likely to graduate high school, pursue higher education, and secure stable employment. On a broader level, communities with higher literacy rates experience lower crime, greater economic growth, and stronger civic engagement. Investing in early literacy also reduces long-term social costs tied to unemployment, poverty, and public assistance. When we prioritize early literacy, we create healthier, more resilient communities and open the door to opportunity for generations to come.

Early Literacy = Long-Term Success 
Quality early education improves reading skills and increases graduation rates, especially when combined with executive function training.
 

Resilience Through Education 
Stable, high-quality early learning environments help children facing homelessness or frequent moves succeed academically.
 

Proven Programs Like Head Start 
Participation in Head Start is linked to reduced high school dropout rates and improved long-term economic outcomes.
 

Trauma-Informed Approaches Matter 
Schools that integrate mental health support and foster secure relationships help students overcome adversity and stay on track.

Education Supports Economic Mobility 
Educational programs for homeless families can break cycles of poverty by supporting both children and caregivers.
 

Parent Engagement Builds Resilience 
Caregiver education strengthens parent-child relationships, which are key to long-term stability and success.
 

Community Transformation Works 
The Harlem Children’s Zone shows that combining early education with wraparound services can uplift entire neighborhoods.
 

Literacy is a Multi-Generational Tool 
Providing parents with reading resources helps create lasting change across generations.

Early Education Reduces Future Crime  
Strong early learning foundations are linked to lower rates of criminal behavior later in life.
 

Better Decision-Making Starts Early  
Early education promotes empathy, critical thinking, and responsible choices.
 

Targeted Programs Work  
Programs for at-risk youth reduce delinquency by teaching conflict resolution and self-regulation skills.  



 

Early Relationships Build Life Skills 
Early education supports communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution—key for long-term personal and professional success.
 

Resilience Starts in Childhood 
Programs that build executive function and self-regulation help children develop emotional intelligence and stress management skills.
 

Emotional Intelligence Prevents Conflict 
Teaching empathy and self-regulation early reduces future risks of domestic and workplace conflict.
 

Proven Programs Like Conscious Discipline 
These approaches promote empathy and harmony by nurturing strong emotional and interpersonal foundations. 
  

Educational Attainment
Early learning boosts graduation rates and higher education, leading to better job opportunities and income.

Intergenerational Benefits
Involved parents create a culture of learning at home, reinforcing educational success.

Cognitive Skill Development
Builds strong foundations in reading, math, and critical thinking, setting the stage for academic achievement.

Advancing Equity
High-quality programs help level the playing field for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Stronger Workforce
Better-educated individuals are more productive and adaptable to technological change.

Economic Growth
A skilled workforce drives innovation and contributes to a stronger economy.

Social-Emotional Skills
Children learn to communicate, collaborate, and resolve conflicts—skills crucial for work and relationships.

Reduced Social Costs
Early education decreases the likelihood of special education, teen pregnancy, and involvement in crime.

Increased Productivity
A well-educated workforce performs complex tasks more efficiently and supports economic advancement.

Improved Health Outcomes
Early learning tied to health education supports lifelong well-being and reduces healthcare costs.

Lifelong Learning
Encourages curiosity and a love of learning, supporting personal growth across the lifespan.