Action Plan 2008-2009: Early Childhood Education

What will the outcome be?

How will we measure this?

What activities will lead us to this outcome?

Who will be responsible?

What resources do they need?

Young children in Swanton will enter school ready to learn.

All four year olds in Swanton will have access to high quality early education programs either in a home-based, center-based, or school-based program.

Active child find efforts to locate four-year-old children.

Engage local providers in achieving quality standards as measured by the STARS system.

Utilize the mechanisms available under Act 62 to provide public support for 10 hours per week per child of preschool education for all Swanton four year olds in home, center, or school based programs that meet quality standards.

Engage parents in the effort to secure quality early education experiences for all four year olds.

The Vermont Community Preschool Collaborative (VCPC), as represented by Mark Sustic.

Michelle Spence, representing Franklin County Early Childhood Programs.

Local childcare providers and the Family Center, responsible for providing training and support for STARS.

Julie Benay, Swanton Principal, for connections with Head Start, parents, and childcare providers.

Grant funds provided for 2008-2009 by VCPC in the amount of $30,000.

Time

Meeting space

The Swanton School kindergarten program will be responsive to the needs of all entering kindergarten children, regardless of their “readiness” for school.

The curriculum for kindergarten will reflect developmentally appropriate expectations as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The Swanton Education Support System will include resources to provide young children and their families with adequate supports for the transition from home or early care environments to the public school setting.

Distribute best practices to all task force chairs.

Include discussion of developmentally appropriate practice in kindergarten curriculum meetings.

Meet at least twice per year with FCECP and Head Start preschool providers to compare curriculum and expectations of preschool to those of kindergarten.

Principal/Assistant Principal

Task force chairs

Kindergarten teachers

FCECP and Head Start Staff

Medicaid reinvestment and EPSDT planning teams

Time

Copying costs