Congratulations, Lead Agency, on being awarded the: Pre-K Early Start (PKES) Grant and/or Texas School Ready! (TSR!) G

1. Congratulations, Lead Agency, on being awarded the: Pre-K Early Start (PKES) Grant and/or Texas School Ready! (TSR!) Grant University of Texas-Houston

2. The Children’s Learning Institute (CLI) at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, is the technical assistance provider for these grants and can assist the grantee with the implementation of program components, as required. University of Texas-Houston

3. What are the Pre-K Early Start (PKES) and The Texas School Ready!(TSR!) Grants? • a high-quality approach to early childhood education based on proven, evidence-based school readiness components; • delivered through an integrated service delivery model at the community level (ISD, Head Start and licensed, subsidized childcare) • utilizing state-approved, rigorous curriculum • cutting edge, teacher professional development including educationally-focused teacher mentoring • intentional instruction for children • ongoing progress monitoring • participation in the TexasSchool Readiness Certification System University of Texas-Houston

4. What are the grant dates? Starts: September 1, 2009 Ends: August 31, 2010 University of Texas-Houston

5. What is the purpose of the grants? • Implement a cohesive service model to dramatically improve early literacy, language, math and social development for preschool eligible children • Provide high quality early childhood education programs that coordinate Pre-kindergarten resources among public school districts, Head Start programs, and childcare providers • Assist preschool children in achieving school readiness and successful transition into Kindergarten University of Texas-Houston

6. What are the goals of the grants? • Identify eligible Pre-Kindergarten children and communicate the availability of services to their families and caregivers • Assess the needs of eligible children and provide quality Pre-Kindergarten services • Create and implement a School Readiness Integration (SRI) Partnership • Participate in the School Readiness Certification System (SRCS) • Design and develop a Pre-Kindergarten program that is sustainable beyond grant funding University of Texas-Houston

7. Which children are eligible to participate ? Children must be enrolled in a Head Start, Childcare or Title 1 Pre-K program. • PKES Grant: Children must be 3 or 4 years of age on or before September 1st of the current school year. • TSR! Grant: Children must be 3 or 4 years of age on or before September 1st of the current school year. At least 51% of the children in these classrooms must be 4 years old and Kinderbound. 75% of all students from participating classrooms must be low SES receiving Title 1 PK, HS or CCDS. Children must also meet at least one of the following criteria: • Be unable to speak and comprehend the English language • Be educationally disadvantaged (eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program) • Be homeless • Have been in the conservatorship (foster care) of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). • Be the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the U.S. • this includes the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces who is ordered to active duty by proper authority University of Texas-Houston

8. What are the 4 required program components of the grants? 1. Texas School Readiness Components 2. School Readiness Integration (SRI) Partnership 3. School Readiness Certification System (SRCS) 4. Sustainability Plan University of Texas-Houston

9. #1 -The Texas School Readiness Components University of Texas-Houston

10. What are the Texas School Readiness Components? • Curriculum/Materials • Professional Development • Child Progress Monitoring University of Texas-Houston

11. What do the Texas School Readiness Components include? Curriculum/Materials: (per classroom ) • Start Up Kit/Classroom Management materials (English or Spanish) • School Readiness Kit (English or Spanish) • State-approved Curriculum (required, but not provided if already in place in ISD classrooms) Professional Development: • CIRCLE Preschool Early Language and Literacy Including Mathematics Training (2 days) • Preschool Early Language and Literacy plus Mathematics Teacher’s Manual • eCIRCLE Professional Development Courses (sessions across the year) • Mentoring (ongoing monthly visits) Child Progress Monitoring: • Progress Monitoring Tools and Training University of Texas-Houston

12. What is a Start-Up Kit? (Classroom Management Materials) The Start-Up Kit provides materials for effectively organizing and managing the preschool classroom. The kit includes: • Daily Schedule Chart • Classroom Helpers Chart • Attendance Chart • Center Management System • Classroom Rules Poster • Letter Wall Cards • Activity Transition Book • Read Aloud Chart • Classroom Environment Labels • Personal Touch Cards Available in English or Spanish University of Texas-Houston

13. Start-Up Kit Lead Agency Role • Order the Start-Up Kit(s) CLI orders for TSR! grantees; PKES Tier grantees purchase directly from vendors • Support the use of the Start-Up Kit Coordinator/Mentor’s Role • Supply information to lead agent and vendors/CLI about ordering Start-Up Kit • Provide information on accessing the Classroom Management video • Assist with setting up the start-up kit material • Model use of materials University of Texas-Houston

14. Start-Up Kit Teacher’s Role • Review Classroom Management Video on how to set-up a preschool classroom: http://www.childrenslearninginstitute.org/downloads/Classroom_Management.wmv • Arrange the room to include a minimum of 7 well-defined learning centers - ABC Center - Creativity Center - Construction Center - Library/Listening Center - Math & Science Center - Pretend and Learn Center - Writing Center • Use the learning center management system throughout the classroom • Label learning centers and materials • Use classroom management charts daily • Collaborate with assigned mentor University of Texas-Houston

15. - What are School Readiness Kits? The School Readiness Kits contain a variety of books and materials used to support and enhance classroom instruction. University of Texas-Houston

16. School Readiness Kit Teacher’s Role • Use the School Readiness Kits to enhance cognitive instruction in the following areas: • Letter Knowledge • Language Development • Writing • Phonological Awareness • Book Reading • Math • Document the use of school readiness materials/activities in lesson plans • Use materials for centers, large group, small group and one-on-one instruction University of Texas-Houston

17. School Readiness Kit Coordinator/Mentor’s Role • Supply information to lead agency and vendors/CLI about ordering School Readiness Kit • Assist with setting up the materials • Provide training (vendor or coordinator/mentor) • Model use of materials • Support with the implementation of the School Readiness Kit University of Texas-Houston

18. What is the CIRCLE Preschool Early Language and Literacy including Mathematics Training? This training is a hands-on research-based training that provides preschool teachers with a 2-day overview of classroom activities and best practices that can Be easily implemented in the following content areas: • Best Practices and Social/Emotional Development • Social and Emotional Development • Phonological Awareness • Written Expression • Language Development • Book Reading • Letter Knowledge and • Mathematics University of Texas-Houston

19. CIRCLE Preschool Early Language and Literacy including Mathematics Training Teacher’s Role • Attend the two days of training • Use activities from the CIRCLE Preschool Early Language and Literary plus Mathematics manual to supplement curriculum activities • Document activities on the lesson plan • Implement activities for cognitive instruction in the classroom • Use the foundation from the training to make classroom decisions including room arrangement and cognitive instruction University of Texas-Houston

20. Preschool Early Language and Literacy including Mathematics Training Coordinator/Mentor’s role • Work with CLI to set up and arrange training • location, room set up, etc. • Invite participants to training • Attend the 2 day training • Supply vendor information to order training manuals • Plan with teachers and support the use and implementation of the CIRCLE PELL manual activities • Model the use of activities during mentoring sessions University of Texas-Houston

21. What is eCIRCLE Professional Development? • Courses include: • eCIRCLE Professional Development courses are designed to provide teachers a common experience allowing for conversation and learning. This format has been shown to help teachers development their understandings of research-based instructional practices for preschool learners. The ongoing sessions are focused on specific content areas designed to deepen content knowledge and build specific skills which will improve teacher practices in the following areas: • Classroom Management Early Childhood Math • Setting the Stage for Children’s Talk Written Expression • Building Vocabulary Read Aloud • Phonological Awareness Letter Knowledge University of Texas-Houston

22. eCIRCLE Professional Development • Teacher’s role • Attend the scheduled face-to-face meetings • Implement teaching strategies in the classroom • Actively participate during face-to-face meetings • Participate in on-line discussions between meetings • Complete the “On Your Own” assignments included in the courses University of Texas-Houston

23. eCIRCLE Professional Development Coordinator/Mentor’s role • Locate a computer lab for eCIRCLE sessions • Communicate with vendor to set up participants access • Provide grantees/educators with a yearly course schedule • Develop eCIRCLE agendas • Facilitate scheduled face to face meetings • Post assignments after each facilitation of the course • Participate in on-line discussions between meetings by responding to participants • Support teachers with implementing the content from the course in classrooms University of Texas-Houston

24. What is a curriculum? A curriculum is a high-quality, developmentally appropriate and rigorous instructional plan. Approved Curriculum List: The DLM Early Childhood Express Scholastic Early Childhood Program Pebble Soup Explorations Let's Begin with the Letter People Saxon Early Learning We Can! Sopris West The Ready, Set, Leap! DLM Doors to Discovery (SCECD adopted) LEAP (SCECD adopted) http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/textbooks/materials/bulletin/programs.pdf University of Texas-Houston

25. Curriculum Implementation • Teacher’s Role • Implement the state approved curriculum • Provide at least 3.0 hours daily cognitive instruction using state adopted • curriculum • Show strong connection in lesson planning and theme related activities • Implement curriculum activities documented on written lesson plan • Make lesson plan objectives evident, based on materials located in the class • Provide large group, small group and one-on-one lessons based on assessment • results University of Texas-Houston

26. Curriculum Implementation Coordinator/Mentor’s Role • Provide vendor information for ordering curricula • Set up curriculum training (vendor or coordinator/mentor) • Become familiar with the different curriculums used • Support teachers with understanding the curriculum • Support teachers with developing lesson plans • Support teachers with creating a daily schedule that includes at least 3 hours of cognitive instruction • Model instructional strategies using the curriculum University of Texas-Houston

27. What is Progress Monitoring? Progress monitoring is a systematic process used to document children’s developmental progress in the areas of early language, literacy and mathematics. Results from monitoring the individual progress of children are used to guide instruction and planning. University of Texas-Houston

28. Progress Monitor Training This one day training sets the stage for teachers to have hands on experiences with assessing. The training topics include: • Materials and tips • Assessment do’s and don’ts • Assessment areas: Rapid Letter Naming Rapid Vocabulary Naming Phonological Awareness Social Emotional Book and Print Writing • Assessment windows • Progress reports University of Texas-Houston

29. Progress Monitoring Coordinator/Mentor’s role • Supply vendor information to order progress monitoring materials • Support teachers with completing 3 assessments by established deadlines • Beginning (BOY) • Middle (MOY) and • End (EOY) • Support teacher with documenting activities on lessons plans • Support teachers with using reports generated from assessment data to plan for instruction University of Texas-Houston

30. Progress Monitoring • Teacher’s role • Complete 3 assessments by established deadlines across the school year: • Beginning (BOY) • Middle (MOY) and • End (EOY) • Use reports generated from assessment data to: • Obtain a class summary of all assessments • Obtain individual student summaries of all assessments • Obtain group summary of all assessments • Implement small group instruction based on reports • Document small group activities on lessons plans University of Texas-Houston

31. What is Mentoring? Mentoring impacts change by encouraging teachers to reflect upon their teaching practices and set goals in order to help strengthen their implementation of effective practices to influence the social, emotional and cognitive development of children. Mentoring is provided by a highly trained mentor in an on-going, individualized way, fostering the teacher’s growth and professional development. University of Texas-Houston

32. Mentoring Process Teacher’s Role • Be open to the mentoring process • Invite mentors into the classroom each month • Be open to suggestions, advice and new research • Practice and implement activities and instructional strategies • Create goals and objectives with the mentor • Ask for specific advice, goals, plans and strategies • Initiate feedback from mentor University of Texas-Houston

33. Mentoring Process Coordinator Mentor/Mentor’s Role • Schedule meetings to inform administrators of mentoring sessions and successes • Provide monthly mentoring calendar to teachers and administrators • Provide ongoing mentoring to each teacher as required by the project • Support teachers with implementing the state adopted curriculum • Support teachers with implementing CIRCLE activities • Support teachers with the implementation of 3 hours of cognitive instruction • Support teachers with the development of small groups • Schedule a 15-30 minute reflective follow-up visit with each teacher • Complete required documentation • Model instructional strategies University of Texas-Houston

34. #2 - School Readiness Integration (SRI) Partnership University of Texas-Houston

35. What is School Readiness Integration (SRI) Partnership? SRI Partnership is the collaboration between: • Public Pre-Kindergarten Programs/Charter schools • Local Workforce Development Boards • Head Start Providers • College or university early childhood programs • Private for-profit licensed child care providers • Nonprofit licensed child-care providers University of Texas-Houston

36. School Readiness Integration (SRI) Partnership Models Stacked or Flip/Flop Model- when two programs are offered sequentially to piece together a full day of early care in education. Concurrent Model - when more than one program is offered simultaneously and where each program provides different services to groups of children to enhance and expand services. Wraparound Model- when more than one program works together to provide care either before or after-school services, or both. Subcontracting Model-when one programs subcontracts with another organization to provide specific services to the children. University of Texas-Houston

37. School Readiness Integration Partnership Includes: The SRI partnerships should include all services that Pre-K children need in order to successfully participate in the program, such as the following: • Transportation to and from school • Meals during school hours • Classroom space • Instructional materials • Before and after-school care University of Texas-Houston

38. School Readiness Integration Partnership Administrator’s Role • Assess community needs • Identify and recruit partners (build trust, teams and relationships) • Develop a common vision and goals • Finance the partnership • Delineate roles and responsibilities • Ensure quality • Sustain the partnership • Refer to CLI website: Community-based School Readiness Integration Partnerships: Promoting Sustainable Collaborations http://www.childrenslearninginstitute.org/our-programs/program-overview/TX-school-ready/documents/PromotingSustainableCollaborations.pdf University of Texas-Houston

39. /*/ School Readiness Integration Partnership Coordinator/Mentor’s Role • Support administrators with implementing the goals outlined in the MOU • Set-up a meeting with partners to decide on the following: • Leveraging of resources and avoiding duplication of services • one curriculum per class • one schedule per class to include 3 hours of daily cognitive instruction • one lesson plan per class • limiting the number of progress monitoring tools being used • attending professional development • Scheduling teacher planning time together • Creating new collaborative ideas University of Texas-Houston

40. School Readiness Integration Partnership Teacher’s Role • Establish a positive working relationship with teachers in the project • Work together to organize the daily schedule to ensure the implementation of 3 hours of cognitive instruction • Establish a common goal and philosophy for implementing the curriculum • Share curriculum and resources • Plan together with other teachers University of Texas-Houston

41. #3 School Readiness Certification System (SRCS) University of Texas-Houston

42. What is the School Readiness Certification System (SRCS)? • An innovate quality rating system to certify to parents, stakeholders, policymakers and the public that Pre-K classrooms are preparing students to enter Kindergarten ready to learn: • Designed with input from all three early education systems • Utilizes critical demographic and structural information about the Pre-K classroom, • Identifies the Pre-K classroom teacher’s instructional practices, and • Collects the Kindergarten reading and social screener measures of children who attended those Pre-K classrooms. • SRCS is currently the objective measure of the effectiveness of the TSR! model in local communities as all TSR! classrooms are required to participate in the system. • ALL classrooms serving Kinderbound children in a TSR! building MUST be included in the SRCS. • Participation in the system has been limited to date within these parameters only because of the lack of adequate funding. University of Texas-Houston

43. Texas School Ready! Certification… • The Texas School Ready! (TSR!) Certification is NOT a curriculum • The Texas School Ready! (TSR!) Certification is NOT a replacement for the services provided by ISD’s, Head Start or Child Care • The Texas School Ready! (TSR!) Certification IS mandatory for the Pre-K Early Start Grant(PKES) and the Texas School Ready! Grant(TSR). ALL classrooms serving Kinderbound children within a building participating in either grant program MUST be entered into the system. University of Texas-Houston

44. The SRCS includes data from the following areas: Manage My School Teacher and administrator data such as name, certification, and years of experience, number of classrooms Manage Student Records Student ‘s name, date of birth, gender, future elementary school, attendance, eligibility criteria, performance on kindergarten reading diagnostic instrument Teacher Self Report Teacher information, credentials,response to questions regarding instructional activities and methodology and professional development activities, including mentoring if applicable Facility Report Facility name, address, identification numbers, accreditation status, children and classes, teaching staff information, curriculum used, assessments used and community partnerships University of Texas-Houston

45. School Readiness Certification System Administrator’s Role • Enter teacher/staff information into SRCS – Manage My School • Enter student information into system or assign responsibilities to staff for entering student data into system – Manage My Students • Assign responsible staff member / teachers to enter student attendance into system each month • Complete Facility Report University of Texas-Houston

46. School Readiness Certification System Coordinator/Mentor’s Role • Set up training times for administrators concerning the SRCS (in coordination with vendor’s scheduled trainings) • Provide technical assistance • Review reports and keep administrators aware of incomplete areas in SRCS • Monitor entry of data by required deadlines University of Texas-Houston

47. School Readiness Certification System • Teacher’s role • Verify collected data for the SCECD and OZ in a timely manner • Complete the teacher self report • Take pictures of classroom for SRCS report and mail or upload • them • Assist with the entry of attendance data, if assigned to do so • by campus administrator University of Texas-Houston

48. #4 - Sustainability Plan University of Texas-Houston

49. What is a Sustainability Plan? The Sustainability Plan is a comprehensive plan designed to ensure continued high quality services for your early childhood programs and partnerships after the grant ends. (i.e., for sustaining services using funds other than the grant funds to sustain the required components of the grant ). Your SRI partners will be integral in developing and sustaining this plan. University of Texas-Houston

50. What should the Sustainability Plan Include? • Planning to ensure all children enter kindergarten at grade level • Collaboration between local entities serving prekindergarten children to maximize existing early childhood dollars in the community to sustain the project. • Preparation and facilitation of professional development for teachers • Child progress monitoring to include understanding reports and the use of the information in adapting instruction • Recruitment of dedicated Mentors for classroom teachers • Implementation of the Texas School Readiness Certification System (SRCS) • Sustaining participation required toward certification University of Texas-Houston