PowerPoint Presentation

Academic Readiness Skills for Pre-Kindergarten StudentsMelissa R. Smith

IntroductionHigh quality early child care is a key factor in laying a solid foundation for school readiness for children from birth to 5 years of age.the learning experiences of the preschool years provide a foundation that guides children academically, socially, and emotionally (Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines, 2008)

Advance school-readiness

Provide solid foundation for later academic achievement success.

Background about the School

Forever Growing1990 in Alvin, Texas by Denise WestCurriculum designed to teach academic, reading and social readiness skills to children ages 2-5.Problem solving, phonological and phonemic awareness, and social dialogue

Classrooms split according to age groups/milestones reached in the curriculumMission StatementProvide small class sizesTeacher as a guideAttainment of knowledge was a continuous processSchools symbolCaterpillar and a Butterfly

Forever Growing Preschool

Background about the ProblemForever Growing is struggling to keep up with the demands and expectations of public education!There is increase enrollment (teachers need to be hired and trained)Growing economic concernsTraining current teachers in cost-effective methods (current educational theories)

Specific (Functional) Area of Interestin a recent report on the portrait of American children entering kindergarten, increasingly large numbers of children enter school without the cognitive readiness skills needed to succeed (Assel et al, 2007)

Forever Growing is a dynamic step towards solving the Kindergarten crisis!The schools program trains its teachers to delineate the a literacy rich curriculum, up to date learning theories and specific teaching models.

The Specific ProblemForever growing is only funded through:The directorTuition of the studentsDirector tries to keep costs down to reach a wider range of studentsSchool is located in a part of a poverty stricken areaBiggest problem this year is the increase school costs and decreased amount of available funds

The Schools Current StrategyScholarshipLocal businesses sponsor 1-2 studentsDirector has made every effort to raise funds in the communityDirector has cut costs in the facilityDirector has made every effort not to raise tuition considerably highHowever, economy is having a negative effect on the schools budget

Schools Future StrategyLocal BusinessesHelp with school fundraisingDonation MatchingCommunityOne time financial gifts or donations

Teachers Will forgo annual raiseAttend free professional development seminars at the local collegeTuition will be increased 6%Director has updated the facilities equipment to become more energy efficientDirector has cut paper and printing costsDirector is currently researching ways the school may be able to receive federal, state and district funds

AlternativesTuition increase more than 6%Annual Meeting to discuss tuition increases and alternative ideas/ways to cut costsCommunity Outreach for help

ConclusionPreschool years are an essential time in the students academic career.Solid FoundationBuilding BlocksLearn essential academic and reading skills and social interactionPrivate daycares and early childhood centers should be assisted financially by the federal or state governments.

ReferencesAssel, M. A., Landry, S. H., Swank, P. R., & Gunnewig, S. (2007, July). An evaluation of curriculum, setting, and mentoring on the performance of children enrolled in pre-kindergarten. Reading and Writing, 20(5), 463-494. Retrieved from http://www.hwwilson.com/Documentation/WilsonWeb/howtocite/howtocite.htmEarly, D., Bryant, D., Pianta, R., Clifford, R., Burchinal, M., Ritchie, S., et al. (2006). Are teachers' education, major, and credentials related to classroom quality and children's academic gains in pre-kindergarten? Early Childhood Research Quarterly. 21(2), 174-195.Early, D., Maxwell, K., Burchinal, M., Bender, R., Ebanks, C., Henry, G., et al. (2007). Teachers education, classroom quality, and young childrens academic skills; Results from seven studies of preschool programs. Child Development, 78(2), 558-580.Neuman, S. B. (2005, October). Readiness for reading and writing: What does it mean? Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 20(2), 8. Retrieved from http://www.hwwilson.com/Documentation/WilsonWeb/howtocite/howtocite.htmSmith, M (Producer). (2011). Forever growing: Interview with Denise West [video]. Alvin, Texas.Welcome to the Texas prekindergarten guidelines. (2008, May). Revised Texas prekindergarten guidelines [TEA release]. Retrieved October 19, 2009, from University of Texas System and Texas Education Agency website: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/ed_init/pkguidelines/PKG_Final_100808.pdf