Embracing Early Learning: How to Establish an Effective
Pre-K ProgramAmerican Association of School Administrators
National ConferenceFebruary 12, 2010
Dr. Jill Shackelford, Superintendent, Kansas City, KSPatte Barth, Director, Center for Public Education
Chrisanne Gayl, Education Consultant
Agenda
Project Overview
Lessons Learned from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
Tools and Strategies
National Update
Q and A
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
19,850 students
5 high schools, 8 middle schools, 30 elementary schools, a brand new early childhood center and two small pre-school sites
43% African-American, 35% Hispanic, 17% Caucasian
25% English Language Learners
92% free/reduced lunch
10th year of district-wide implementation of First Things First
All students will reach higher levels of success and the achievement gap between
student groups will disappear!
2010 Goals
District Goal 85/75 (85% proficiency in reading, 75% proficiency in math)
Enter First Grade School Ready
Exit 12th Grade College Ready
The KCK PreK Story• 1997 - Kansas At-Risk funding for 4 year-olds Program
• KCK received 200 slots• Added 25-50 additional slots in subsequent years
• 1999 - Reading Excellence Grant• Provided funding for a PreK Literacy Coach• Allowed us to leverage funding to boost PreK program
• 2002 - USDE Early Childhood Professional Development Grant• Job-embedded coaches• Collaboration with community partners
• Head Start• Salvation Army• El Centro
• Emphasis on Parental Involvement and Adult Education (ESL, GED, Parenting)
The KCK PreK Story(Continued)
• 2004 - Consolidation of scattered sites into the Education Center • Renovation of the housewares department of a former JC Penney’s Store• Slots for 400 children (200 am and pm)• Integrated model which combined At-Risk and Early Childhood Special Education• Strong collaboration with the Children’s Museum
• 2005 - Dr. Jill Shackelford became superintendent• Adopted district-wide goals, which included “Enter First School Ready”• These required a systemic approach to PreK
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
Education Center Preschool
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
Education Center Preschool
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
Education Center Preschool