Why build community partnerships?

Things are changing in early childhood education.  (Data below from PEW report.*)

Pre-k (preschool) is now the fastest growing sector in public education.

  • 38 states and D.C. invest in preschool programs.
  • Enrollment rose more than 50% from 2002-2008.
  • State appropriations increased from $2.9 to $5.2 billion from 2005 to 2009.

Some reasons for the rapid growth:

  • Research shows significant savings in K-12 through less need for special education and grade retention.
  • High-quality pre-k can narrow the achievement gap among children from different backgrounds.
  • State policy makers and school administrators increasingly see early education as a good investment, both short-and long-term.

Why collaborate and build community partnerships?

  • Less than 30% of three-and-four-year-olds are served in publicly-funded early education.
  • One-third (1/3) of state-funded preschoolers are enrolled in community-based programs, including Head Start and child care.
  • Collaboration can expand access and increase the quality of all programs, no matter where they are housed.

A collaborative approach invites a wide range of early childhood partners to:

  • Unite behind a shared vision;
  • Develop creative strategies to reach their own community's goals; and
  • Better serve children and families together.

"One of the benefits of community partnerships is they can be unique in each community."

--Gayle Stuber, Ph.D., Early Childhood Coordinator, KSDE

What are some other benefits of community partnerships and a collaborative approach?

  • Shared resources, such as space, staff, expertise and professional development
  • Alignment of standards, curriculum and best practices
  • Natural peer environment
  • Linkages to comprehensive services (e.g. health, mental health, social services)
  • Increased family involvement
  • Easier transition to kindergarten

Each partner brings its strengths and assets to a community partnership.

Whether a school district preschool, Head Start, special needs program or a child care provider, each partner makes a special contribution to its community partnership.

 

"Each partner program brought its strengths to our collaboration, so that we find we're doing better things together than we were doing separately."

--Ann McCullough, Principal, Kaw Valley USD

"It's exciting to enhance our programs for young children by combining our efforts and strengths with other agencies in our community."

--Laura Cano, Federal Programs Director, Liberal USD

 

*Read the PEW report, "Beyond the School Yard: Pre-K Collaborations with Community-Based Partners," to learn how things are changing and why communities across the nation are building community partnerships.

The inclusion program has helped my son with more than his academics.  His self-esteem is up, he is learning good social skills, and he’s having a fun time doing it.

-- Lexi Amos-Lyddon, Parent, Liberal

Wow! That first day of preschool was a doozy. I questioned whether it was necessary to serve the children both breakfast and lunch. It brought a tear to my eye when one of our staff told me about...

-- Beverly Newton, Director of Food Services, Rossville

In the first two weeks that our son was here, they identified the things he needed help with and came to us... It's just so exciting to see him develop and change and become the little boy that we...

-- Foster Parent, Rossville

I think this project is an exemplary model for combining resources, dollar resources and people resources, to collectively do something stronger and better for kids and families.

-- Jim McDaniel, Superintendent, Kaw Valley USD

Each partner program brought its strengths to our collaboration, so that we find we’re doing better things together than we were doing separately.

-- Ann McCullough, Principal, Kaw Valley USD

The Hamm Early Learning Center is worthwhile and working!  It’s taking a lot of dedication, hard work and collaboration of all the partnerships.

-- Tammy Blaich, M.S., L.C.P., Four County Mental Health, Coffeyville

It's exciting to enhance our programs for young children by combining our efforts and strengths with other agencies in our community.

-- Laura Cano, Federal Programs Director, Liberal USD

I also attend parent meetings now, especially since there is someone to help me.  I come as often as I can.  The meetings are very full of helpful information.

-- Luisa Ensaldo, Parent, Coffeyville

In our new early childhood center, it’s amazing to see adults and children, sitting around a table in their classroom and eating a meal together, just like a family would eat dinner at home. That’...

-- Robert Morton, Ed.D., Superintendent, Coffeyville USD

Our bottom line is, ‘Are we doing what’s best for kids and families?'

-- Diane Hensley, Parent and Family Liaison, Liberal USD

Read more...

Local and state K-12 leaders are finding that collaborating with community-based providers such as Head Start programs, child care centers and faith-based organizations can help them develop and implement high-quality pre-k programs that meet the needs of young children and their families in a comprehensive way.

Read the report, "Beyond the School Yard: Pre-K Collaborations with Community-Based Partners".

 

School districts across the nation are blending preschool classrooms.  Mary Baskett, Executive Director of Kansas Head Start Association, and the Demonstration Learning Communities project are featured on Early Ed Watch, a blog from New America's Early Education Initiative.

Read the article, "All in One Classroom: Blending Head Start and Non-Head Start Students".