Kansas School Readiness

Quality early education programs prepare children for success in school and in life

Numerous studies have shown that ninety percent of child's brain development occurs before the age of five.

But traditionally a child doesn't start kindergarten - the first step in the educational system - until after he or she turns five.

So what's a parent to do? How can Kansas parents ensure that their children start school ready to learn and prepared for success?

"By making high-quality, voluntary, early childhood education programs available to every parent and child in Kansas who wants to participate, we can give Kansas kids the tools for success in school and beyond," explained Shannon Cotsoradis, Executive Vice President of Kansas Action for Children and a key partner in the Kansas Coalition for School Readiness. "The Kansas Coalition for School Readiness is working to expand access to early childhood programs and improve quality."

Investment in Early Education Planted the Seeds for Success

Janet is graduating from college this year.

She did well in school. Well enough to make the Dean's List a few times and well enough to earn a good-paying job after she graduates. She's going to start just as soon as she finishes her last class.

The truth is, Janet is just a character in this story, but she could be real. She could be the future version of any one of the thousands of children under the age of five in Kansas right now who are starting down their own educational path if we give them the tools they need to succeed.

Janet had the benefit of professors she enjoyed in college, a good high school in her home town, and a family that made education a priority.

Notable Wisdom

A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five.

- Groucho Marx (1890-1977)

News

Groups seek to protect ‘school readiness’ funding

By: Kristin Babcock
SunPublications.com
April 29, 2009

Kathy McQueen’s class starts a typical day with songs. Caleb Davis, 4, helps classmates remember the day is Thursday. Luan Nguyen, 4, and Anthony Vallecillo-Ochoa, 5, wave their arms in the air singing about a good morning.

Argonia Public Schools: Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Project

By: Julie Dolley
Argonia359.com
November 18, 2008

The Argonia Preschool Class was honored to have Kansas State Representative Vince Wetta come to visit and read to them on Tuesday, November 18. Representative Wetta came to read for the "Kansas Reads to Preschoolers" project organized by the Kansas State Library and the Kansas Coalition for School Readiness. The project is designed to emphasize the importance of reading and allows preschools across the state to showcase our programs to our state legislators.

Statistics

Research indicates the more extensive the parental involvement in a child’s early care and education, the higher that student’s achievement. However, some areas in the state have long waiting lists for the Parents as Teachers program and 77 school districts do not even offer the program.

For more information, please visit Ready or Not, a project of Kansas Action for Children.