Caring for a child can be overwhelming.

We're here to help, one text at a time. 

United Way of Central Iowa has teamed up with Bright by Text, a national parent texting program, to put expert tips, educational games, and child development information directly into the hands of parents and caregivers of children prenatal through age eight.

Outside of standard message rates that may apply, Bright by Text is free to anyone who signs up to subscribe. 

Expert Resources

Bright by Text messages share tips, short videos, and related resources from national expert partner resources like PBS, Vroom, Sesame Street, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To help in your parenting journey, we cover it all: Text topics include brain development, learning activities, health, nutrition, tantrums, and more. Messages correspond with your child's age. 

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Build a Better Relationship with Your Kids

Bright by Text helps parents and caregivers make the most out of time at home with their children by sending helpful, bite-size bits of information and parental nudges designed to strengthen families and improve whole child outcomes. Bright by Text illustrates fun and easy activities, provides positive parenting tips and resources, and even shares video content to guide a child’s development in the following areas: 

BrightByText_CategoriesThe program is proven to build nurturing caregiver-child relationships, and positively impact a child’s healthy development and school readiness. 


 

Bright by Text Parents Say: 

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"I love getting little age-appropriate messages on my phone that I know are reliable and backed by science."

 

"With these texts, it feels like everything could be transformed in to a learning opportunity. We looked for different types of trees on our walks, worked together to create a new bedtime routine promoting relaxation and good sleep, and took things we already had around the house for fun games and lots of laughs. With help from this service, I feel like I can spark conversations with my kids about things I normally wouldn't think about." 

"[I'm a social worker, and] the activities that Bright by Text suggests have enhanced
my work with children. I [like that I can]
adapt the activities, as needed.
Bright by Text has had a positive impact on my interactions with children." 

 

"I can look at them when I want to and they're just friendly reminders of best practices to do with your child."

 

"The thing I like most is that you don't feel alone on the parenting journey."

 

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United Way of Central Iowa is proud to offer a unique resource like Bright by Text

As children may be learning from home and families can’t always access the services they need, it’s our hope Bright by Text helps ensure children across central Iowa can develop and grow from where ever they are. And provide caregivers the tools and resources they need to confidently support the children in their lives.

Bright by Text is part of United Way of Central Iowa's Early Childhood Success work.