The district recognizes the importance of early childhood education programs from birth to age 8 and their relationship to readiness to learn.
Children - Birth to Age 5
For children birth through age 5, the district will coordinate and/or collaborate with programs which help prepare children for a successful school experience. Examples of such programs include, but are not limited to, early intervention, early childhood special education, state and federal Head Start programs, Healthy Start and child development centers. Such coordination and collaboration may include sharing of facilities, training opportunities, transition activities, transportation, food services and staff.
Children - Kindergarten to Grade Three
The Board believes that the early education experiences provided between kindergarten and grade three establishes an important foundation for the student’s later successful school experience. To this end, early childhood education opportunities based on research and proven successful practices will be provided.
The Board supports the development of programs that may include, but are not limited to, the following components in preschool and kindergarten through grade three programs:
1. Targeted services for "at-risk" children. Services may be in cooperation with local commissions on children and families to provide services to families and may include, but are not limited to, remedial and alternative academic programs, child care, parent participation and child development services;
2. Efforts to improve the kindergarten through third grade curriculum and educational practices so that they:
a. Are consistent with research findings on how children learn;
b. Are sensitive to individual differences such as cultural background and learning styles; and
c. Encourage parent participation. Such efforts may include, but are not limited to, adopting curricula and training administrators and other staff in early childhood education and child development.
3. Comprehensive education, health care and social services for children provided through interagency agreements among school districts, health care and social service providers;
4. Evaluation of programs by goals set by the district for the program;
5. Planned transition from prekindergarten programs to kindergarten through grade three.
6. Extended day services for school-age children.
7. Programs designed to improve the adult to child ratios in kindergarten through grade three.
END OF POLICY