Early Learning & Kindergarten Readiness

A consistent theme throughout our Task Force work was the need for all children and their families to be ready for kindergarten. In accordance with Task Force recommendations, a committee to was formed to promote kindergarten readiness and family well-being. Under the direction of Melissa Sandbothe (KECC) and Jeff Moore (Webster Groves Christian Church), the committee quickly grew to over thirty members who are committed to making sure all children have equitable opportunities and access to early childhood programming. The District is not working to provide universal preschool. We can play an important role, however, in assisting families who want access to high quality early childhood experiences - regardless of where they will attend K-12 school.

Early Childhood Experiences

• Expand the support given to families of prenatal-age 5 children through home visitig programs such as Parents as Teachers
• Identify gaps in access to high quality preschool experiences
• Increase access to affordable and high quality public, private, or faith-based preschool experiences
• Develop collaborative relationships with private and parochial community preschool providers.
• Encourage literacy though a library partnership
• Increase access to learning and life experiences that enhance academic success through access to programs such as the Zoo, Magic House, Science Center, etc.

Health

• Increase access to information and services related to healthcare (i.e. immunization compliance, child safety and injury prevention, asthma management, hearing and vision care)
• Facilitate access to flu shots.

Mental Health and Social Emotional Development

• Increase screening for social emotional and mental health concerns
• Increase access to mental heath information and services
• Increase access and participation in behavior management classes such as Conscious Discipline or Love and Logic
• Increase training and use of a well-articulated social emotional development curriculum in childcare and preschool programs
• Facilitate the development of support/topic groups
• Recreational opportunities = “passport to experiences”

Family Support

• Address the need for adequate nutrition by using tools such as a food insecurity screening
• Ensure families have basic housing needs met
• Address barriers related to transportation (i.e. goods, services, and recreation)
• Offer GED classes to support the ability of families to gain employment to support their families.

Public Engagement

• Increase communication and outreach through faith communities, door to door, vital service locations, police department, public library, and social media/web presence
• Facilitate education and discussion of race with children and families using avenues such as PAT and the We Stories curriculum
• Develop a fundraising plan
• Community engagement plan costs
• Gather relevant research and data to share with stakeholders