Embracing Early Learning: How to Establish an Effective Pre-K Program

American Association of School Administrators National Conference February 12, 2010

Dr. Jill Shackelford, Superintendent, Kansas City, KS Patte Barth, Director, Center for Public Education Chrisanne Gayl, Education Consultant

Agenda

 Project Overview  Lessons Learned from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools  Tools and Strategies  National Update  Q and A

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

 19,850 students  5 high schools, 8 middle schools, 30 elementary schools, a brand new early childhood center and two small pre-school sites  43% African-American, 35% Hispanic, 17% Caucasian  25% English Language Learners  92% free/reduced lunch  10th year of district-wide implementation of First Things First

All students will reach higher levels of success and the achievement gap between student groups will disappear!

2010 Goals

 District Goal 85/75 (85% proficiency in reading, 75% proficiency in math)  Enter First Grade School Ready  Exit 12 th Grade College Ready

The KCK PreK Story

• 1997 - Kansas At-Risk funding for 4 year-olds Program • KCK received 200 slots • Added 25-50 additional slots in subsequent years • 1999 - Reading Excellence Grant • Provided funding for a PreK Literacy Coach • Allowed us to leverage funding to boost PreK program • 2002 - USDE Early Childhood Professional Development Grant • Job-embedded coaches • Collaboration with community partners • Head Start • Salvation Army • El Centro • Emphasis on Parental Involvement and Adult Education (ESL, GED, Parenting)

The KCK PreK Story

(Continued) • 2004 - Consolidation of scattered sites into the Education Center • Renovation of the housewares department of a former JC Penney’s Store • Slots for 400 children (200 am and pm) • Integrated model which combined At-Risk and Early Childhood Special Education • Strong collaboration with the Children’s Museum • 2005 - Dr. Jill Shackelford became superintendent • Adopted district-wide goals, which included “Enter First School Ready” • These required a systemic approach to PreK

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Education Center Preschool

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Education Center Preschool

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Education Center Preschool