Kansas School Readiness

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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.

News

Join us for 2010 Early Learning Day

Early learning works! And, we need your help to take that message to Topeka. Join us on Thursday, February 4 in Topeka for our annual Early Learning Day! The day will include opportunities to talk with your local legislators about the importance of early learning, and training on how you can be an effective advocate for early learning programs. Click here to see the schedule of activities for the day. Click here to register for Early Learning Day online or call us at 785.232.0550.

Coalition launches campaign to improve safety of Kansas child care facilities

The Coalition, in partnership with Kansas Action for Children and other child advocacy organizations, has launched a campaign to educate Kansans about the lack of oversight in some Kansas child care facilities. The campaign - titled "Inspect the Rest" - seeks to make sure all child care providers receive an annual inspection. Right now, 1 in 3 providers in Kansas are never inspected until it's too late - after a complaint has been filed or a child has died in their care. Visit www.InspectTheRest.com for more information about how you can get involved.

Statistics

Statewide, there are only enough spots in Early Head Start programs to serve 6 percent of children that are eligible.

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