SCHOOL READINESS A Community Conversation MAY 3, 2012 SOUTHINGTON

Purpose of Community Conversation To produce an open, unbiased and non-threatening conversation that examines public views to identify common ground for action on important issues in education.

Community Conversations about education provide opportunities: For people from diverse backgrounds to speak openly in a safe environment To clarify personal views on important educational issues through dialogue and discussion To help find common ground for action among participants who may approach issues with different perspectives To support participants as they explore differences in opinions

How do we ensure that all Southington children enter school ready to learn? The Question for Southington

Approaches A. Develop a system that provides access to high quality pre-school programs and experiences. B. Improve the network of services for families of pre-school children. C. Provide strong support to children once they enter school.

APPROACHES Are conversation starters Stimulate participants to sort through what is most important to them Enhance the quality of the discussion

A: Develop a system that provides high quality pre-school programs and experiences. Those who like this approach say: If we really want our community to have high quality preschool programs, we need to put our money where our mouths are

B: Improve the network of services for families of pre-school children. Those who like this approach say: How can we expect children to enter school ready to learn if their families do not know what is expected of them?

C: Provide strong support for children once they enter school Those who like this approach often say: Children’s needs can best be assessed once they enter school. More services should be provided to help all children be successful in the early years.

Thank you Southington Board of Education Southington Family Resource Center Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington Community Foundation of Greater New Britain Southington Public Library Southington YMCA Learning Center Southington Community Services Southington Clergy Association William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund Community Mediation, Inc.