GREAT BEGINNINGS: OUR PLAN FOR KINDERGARTEN READINESS Governor’s Office of Early Childhood

Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) Timeline KERA Governor’s Task Force ECAC Head Start Reauthorization (2007) Created the opportunity for to form a state Early Childhood Advisory Council Governors Task Force on Early Childhood Development & Education A 28 member task force makes eight recommendations for early childhood in Kentucky Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) Governor creates the 26 member council to promote program accountability and provide guidance that affects Kentucky children and families Head Start Act KIDS NOW KIDS NOW Kentucky Education Reform Act – Created State- Funded Preschool program Kentucky Invests in Developing Success – Created the Early Childhood Development Authority. Committed 25% of tobacco settlement to early childhood

Task Force Common Definition of “School Readiness” Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Governance Model for Early Childhood Increase Collaboration Distribute Early Learning Standards Model Curriculum Framework Model Curriculum Framework Increase Participation in STARS Strengthen CECCs Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood Development & Education Recommendations

What is the role of the Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC)  Promote the vision  Advocate  Promote school readiness definition  Universal kindergarten screener  Strengthen coordination and collaboration  Reduce barriers to coordination  Accountability and measurement  Establish priorities

Our Business Model Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) Children Enter Kindergarten Ready High Quality Early Learning Environments Supportive Families Access to Data Participation in STARS A great early childhood workforce Families understand child health and developmental needs Common Kindergarten Entry Screener Scholarships & PD Plans Families are engaged Children have access to appropriate services Data is shared by early childhood programs

Community Early Childhood Councils (CECCs) make it happen at the local level!  School District  Family Resource Centers  Head Start/ Early Head Start  Resource & Referral Agency  Early Intervention  Cooperative Extension  United Way/Success by 6  Child Care  Public Library  Regional Training Centers  Community Action Agency  Health care professionals/ health department  College or tech schools  Parents/Foster parents  Government  Early childhood advocates

In Kentucky... “School readiness means that each child enters school ready to engage in and benefit from early learning experiences that best promote the child’s success” Approaches to Learning Health & Physical Well Being Language & Communication Development Social & Emotional Development Cognitive & General Knowledge Children Enter Kindergarten Ready Early Childhood Community Councils (CECC) Supporting FamiliesProviding Access to Data Supporting Educators Improving Environment – Participation in STARS Scholarships Promoting Professional Development Plans Parent Training Family Engagement Activities Family Partnerships Kindergarten Entry Screener Sharing Childhood Data Governor’s Office of Early Childhood125 Holmes St.Frankfort, KY Promoting Family Health & Wellbeing Access to Appropriate Health Services Supporting Learning Environments Family Access to Screeners Community Partnerships Data Driven Policy

Selected Best Practices  Shared Reading  Community Screener Days  School Readiness Definition  Racing to Read  Grow Up Great Science Center Partnership  Help Me Grow  Dolly Parton Imagination Library  Engaging Father  Hosting a Literacy Day  Transition to Kindergarten

Community Early Childhood Councils 2011 Activity Map Map Legend Counties with a history of active Councils Counties with Grant Award Winning Councils Counties that applied for Grant Awards 2012 Combined Councils CECC Activity Map 2012 Governor’s Office of Early Childhood 125 Holmes St. Frankfort, KY (502)

Community Early Childhood Councils 2012 Intent to Apply

Community Early Childhood Councils – RFA Timeline 2012 AprilMayJuneMarch 2012 March 16, 2012 RFA Available Resources and Checklist April 11, 2012 T/TA Webinar on RFA April 25, 2012 Intent to apply (included in RFA ) May 1, 2012 Written Questions Due May 22-23, 2012 CECC Annual Institute June 15, 2012 Applications due

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