School Readiness
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 School readiness is preparing children to enter kindergarten “ready to learn.” The years from birth through age five are a time of significant growth and change. In these years children develop basic knowledge, understanding and interests they need to become successful learners. School readiness includes five major areas: physical well-being and motor development; social and emotional development; approaches to learning; language development and communication; cognition and general knowledge.
What is First 5 Sacramento Doing About School Readiness?
First 5 Sacramento has partnered with high quality learning programs that are committed to providing children with the tools necessary to make them successful life-long learners.
- School Readiness Initiative:
The School Readiness Initiative provides state-match funds to six Sacramento County school districts serving children in the lowest academically performing schools. These funds are matched dollar for dollar by the First 5 California State Commission.
- School Readiness Program Expansion:
When First 5 California formally announced the availability of Cycle 2 (FY2008-2012) state-match School Readiness funding, they stipulated that no additional funds would be available for program expansion. Cycle 2 School Readiness funds are earmarked for ‘maintenance of effort’ in currently funded School Readiness programs. The First 5 Sacramento Commission, however, assessed the effectiveness of existing programs, examined more current academic performance data, and opted to use local funds to expand School Readiness programs into targeted areas with large numbers of underserved children. Natomas Unified School District, Galt Joint Union Elementary School District, and River Delta Unified School District are the most recent districts to join our program.
- Preschool Bridging Model:
The Preschool Bridging Model (PBM) is a program designed to enhance the quality of private preschool programs and to assist in the children’s transition to kindergarten. The program works with private child care providers who have a preschool component (private child care centers, and family child care homes) through workforce development and site development strategies that include: on-site support, consultation, team-teaching, and coaching support; educational and quality improvement planning; and instructional materials to enhance learning environments. The model promotes successful kindergarten transition for children and the families by facilitating continuity between early care and education providers and elementary schools. Preschool Bridging Model.
- Bright Futures partners with School Readiness programs to offer free health screenings for children ages zero to five. Working in collaboration with other local health programs, dental, vision, hearing, speech, health, development, and social emotional screenings are made available to young children. Children who may exhibit a health and or developmental problem are identified prior to entering kindergarten, referrals and resources are provided to the families. The goal is that every child enters kindergarten ready to learn.
Total Funding: $37.4 million
First 5 Sacramento Staff Contact:
Carmen Garcia-Gomez, (916) 876-5869 Doreen Diehl, (916) 876-6683 Learn more about the First 5 Sacramento community partners who provide services to promote school readiness. |
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