Head Start Formalizing the School Readiness Plan
Virginia Head Start Association Conference Tuesday, April 5, 2011 3:30-5:00 pm
Pamela K. Blackburn Early Childhood Specialist Virginia Head Start TA Region III pblackburn@icfi.com Presented By
Objectives • Increase awareness of strategies for developing, maintaining and implementing a comprehensive school readiness plan • Understand the importance of alignment • Become familiar with the revised Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework • Have the opportunity to network regarding current program practices around school readiness and transition
The Big Picture alignment alignment alignment
Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework Provides programs with a description of developmental Building blocks that are most important for long term school success
Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework • Reflects the legislative mandates from the 2007 Head Start Act and current research • The Act requires program alignment to the Framework: • Program Goals • School Readiness Goals • Curricula • Assessments • Professional Development Activities
The Role of the Framework • Outlines the essential areas to be used by Head Start programs to establish: • School Readiness Goals • Monitor Children’s Progress • Align Curricula • Conduct Program Planning • Address domains in an integrated way • Intentional Instruction • Scaffold Learning
HS Child Development & Early Learning Framework
What is Included • 11 Domains – represent the overarching areas essential for school and long-term success • 37 Domain Elements - specifically define components of the Domains and linked to Executive Functioning • 100 Examples - included under each Domain Element and meant as examples rather than requirements or specified outcomes
New Domains • Logic and Reasoning • Social Studies Knowledge and Skills • English Language Development
Highlights and Points of Change Changes in format or focus • Physical Development and Health • Social and Emotional Development • Approaches to Learning • Language Development • Mathematics Knowledge and Skills • Reemphasize Special Needs
Early Learning Standards Alignment is not new to Head Start A. Mandated by Head Start Act B. Levels the playing field of children C. The “heart” of smooth transitions to kindergarten programs
What is Alignment? A coordinated function of: • The HS Child Development and Early Learning Framework • State Early Learning Standards/Early Learning Guidelines • Goals and objectives for children, classrooms and programs • Curriculum used in teaching • Assessment used in gauging children’s learning and developments • Communication with Parents
What Are We Aligning? State Early Learning Standards • with chosen curriculum of programs, • with school readiness goals, • with the Head Start Early Childhood Development Framework
What’s New with Alignment? • Moving Beyond the Paper Connection Parameters of Alignment: 1. Balance –ensure that all documents are addressing all of the domains of child development 2. Depth – within each domain, are the same skills addressed, and if so, HOW? 3. Difficulty – what age or skill levels are the standards measuring?
From Standards to Implementation Involves Many A. Program Administrators B. Teachers C. Parents
School Readiness Definition and Goals What is a School Readiness Goal?
Key Points from Yvette Sanchez Fuentes • School Readiness goals • Developed in partnership with parents • Take into account language and culture • Are a two-way street developed in partnership with the schools, with input from both Head Start and the school partners • Are purposeful and focus on both environment and interactions
Effective School Readiness Goals • Focus on effective program outcomes, including: • Strong, engaged parents • Supportive communities • Involvement of all staff • Continued forward motion and re-invention
School Readiness Goals Require • Access to Opportunities Resources High quality early education Early intervention • Flexibility and a broad definition Different ways and at different rates All areas of development/learning must be included
OHS School Readiness Standards (A) GOALS- An agency conducting a self-assessment shall establish agency-determined program goals for improving the school readiness of children participating in a program under this subchapter, including school readiness goals that are aligned with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework, State early learning standards as appropriate, and requirements and expectations of the schools the children will be attending.
Virginia’s Definition Describes the capabilities of children, their families, schools and communities that will best promote student success in kindergarten and beyond • Ready Children • Ready Families • Ready Schools • Ready Communities
School Readiness Challenge • Planning and analyzing data • Tracking and monitoring child data • Alignment of planning with goals • Providing parents with support for setting appropriate goals for their children. • Tracking progress and re-inventing goals as necessary on the program level.
Sharing Approaches Susan Rines People Inc.
