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Rochester’s Early Learning Journey. April 2014. Background Information. Rochester Primary School Birth-Pre (46) K-2 nd (498) 160-190 K students per year 7-9 kindergarten classes a year Poverty level @ RPS 61% Head Start (54) w/ 71 on the waiting list Community Preschools (2).
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Rochester’s Early Learning Journey April 2014
Background Information • Rochester Primary School • Birth-Pre (46) • K-2nd(498) • 160-190 K students per year • 7-9 kindergarten classes a year • Poverty level @ RPS 61% • Head Start (54) w/ 71 on the waiting list • Community Preschools (2)
RSD Early Learning History • Right From the Start Rochester – United Way of Thurston County Funded Program which supports parents of 3-5 year olds to prepare their children for kindergarten • Sound to Harbor Early Literacy Grant – David Mattison P-3 professional development project (Head Start, Community Preschools & District) • WA Kids Competitive Grant – Community Connections • 2000 • Free All Day K • for At-Risk • 2004 • All Day K • Tuition Option • 2007 • Free All Day K • for All • 2010 • Right from the Start
Community ConnectionsSound to Harbor Early Literacy Grant • The purpose of the project was to align early literacy instruction (pre-K to grade 3) through increasing educator’s use of best practices in early literacy while building relationships among those educators. • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grant • ESD 113 coach & coordination • David Matteson - national early literacy expert • 3 years of collaborative professional development • Head Start, community preschools & district collaboration
WaKIDS Competitive Grant • Quarterly cycle of pre-visit meeting, preschool visit and collaboration, post-visit debrief meeting. • Goals: • Develop mutually respected relationships between K and preschool teachers • Share data and WaKIDS results • Identify developmental milestones and strategies to better able students to reach their full potential • K teachers would gain a better understanding of early learners and the challenges pre-school teachers face in preparing students to meet K entry standards
Community ConnectionsRight from the Start - Rochester • A project of the United Way of Thurston County’s Success By 6 initiative • Goal: To increase the number of children who start school ready to succeed by supporting their parents as first teachers. • Supports parents as first teachers • A part-time program coordinator works from a tiny office at RPS to provide collaboration and outreach
What Does Right from the Start Offer? • Early connection to school and staff • Information and referrals • Parents As Teachers Group • Ready! for Kindergarten classes for parents 3 x year • Community Cafes • Story Time • Family Events • Hands On Children's Museum Visits • Kindergarten Readiness Calendar • First Teacher Newsletter • 2014-2015 WaKIDS Support
How Do We Measure Success? Outputs Outcomes +356 families, Parent’s increased learning scores 459 kids under age 5Contacts with parents Parents applying learned skills 1,100 referrals Teacher Perception SurveyOver 200 classes and events WaKids Scores comparisons Increased participation at K Roundups
4th Grade Reading Assessment (1997-2013) % Free/Reduced Price Lunches 17.2% 28.7% 32.8% 42.5% 45.9% 46.1% 48.2% 53.2% 54.5%
The Superintendent’s Role • Hire people who are passionate about early learning. • Ensure there is on-going discussion with the Board regarding the importance and financial value of early learning. • Be the executive sponsor of early learning initiatives. • Be open to small opportunities. Then merge multiple small initiatives into a coordinated effort. • Remind everyone that the purpose of an investment is the long-term benefit.
