Preparing your elementary student for the future… It’s Never Too Early Preparing your elementary student for the future…

What we’ll discuss Why Start thinking about my child’s career & college now? The benefits of planning ahead Ways to plan WITH your children How to keep your child excited about his/her future Great websites to book mark and visit with your children

Why do I need to start planning so early? Our children don’t have to be in high school to begin thinking and planning for their life post-secondary school The costs of college are continuously on the rise, so planning is necessary You can start talking about the future with even a Kindergarten student Education is key, so parents should educate themselves about what to expect and help their children stay educated to succeed in all schooling

The benefits of planning ahead (for college): Paying for college can seem like a daunting task, but you have some options, and knowing your options will help you plan! pre-paid tuition ( can help you lock in a current rate) college-savings plans (i.e. 529’s) Know the options you have for Student loans and Federal Student Aid You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to dertermine how much and if your student will qualify for Student Aid Also, look into the availability for institutional aid, offered directly through colleges and universities, as well as assistance provided through state grant agencies

Agora’s very own Middle School Counselor, Barron Whited, was featured in a Pittsburgh TV segment and presented the following: 11 ways to get your Kindergartener into college: Establish Ongoing Communication about College Explain Education is the key to one’s future Teach study skills through organization and preparing for tests Encourage reading and staying motivated Keep Those Grades Up Explore Student’s Interests Research 3 careers a month Introduce college websites Participate in Bring “Your Kids to Work Day” Volunteer as a Family (helps students explore careers) If parents have a high school student in their household, take your kindergartener to college visits and open houses.

To view Barron’s TV segment, please visit the site below: http://cityofpittsburgh.macaronikid.com/article/1103759/1 1-ways-to-get-your-kindergartner-into-college

Being College AND Career Ready @ the elementary level: Role of the Parent: Tips from School Counselor: Obviously, don’t overwhelm your child to choose a career at such a young age Be a strong advocate for career planning through activities that support career-related development (resources in next slide) Encourage good work habits (chores) Encourage taking part in school career-related activities Limit TV and screen time Help your child explore and identify their interests, talents, dream and goals Speak positively to them about these aspirations

How to explore careers and the future with your children: http://www.onetonline.org/ Learn about different careers & have fun while you do!: https://kids.usa.gov/jobs/index.shtml http://www.ehow.com/list_6083156_career-craft-ideas-kindergarten-class.html Information for parents: http://www.getready.state.mn.us/

EXPLORE MORE COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS RESOURCES (hotchaulkeducationnetwork.com) Definition of College & Career Readiness for the 21st Century http://www.hotchalkeducationnetwork.com/college-career-readiness-definition/ College & Career Readiness for students in poverty http://www.hotchalkeducationnetwork.com/poverty-and-college-and-career-readiness/ College & Career Readiness: Financial Debt Planning for Students http://www.hotchalkeducationnetwork.com/financial-readiness-for-college/