Recognizing the importance of early learning on school preparedness
and success, the Appoquinimink School District hosted a free, Early Learning
Forum with area child care providers on Thursday, March 12, from
6:00-8:30 p.m. at the Appoquinimink Early Childhood Center.
"We know that the
earlier we provide formalized learning experiences the better," said Assistant
Superintendent Dr. Marion Proffitt, one of the event's organizers. "Investing in
our preschool population pays off later in higher rates of
educational attainment for our students,
fewer special education placements, a reduction in retention and
less disciplinary problems as they move on to elementary, middle, and high
school in our district. Our ultimate goal is to make sure students are better
prepared than ever to be successful in the global economy of the 21st Century."
she concluded.
Response to the event was strong. Fifty independent child
care providers registered for the workshop. The agenda included a look at the rigor and expectations
for full-day kindergarten, including the skills young children need to be
successful and information on how child care providers can participate in the
referral process to make sure vulnerable learners get early intervention and
support.
Proffitt acknowledged that this is just the first
step in establishing better dialogue and rapport between child care providers
and our schools. "Tonight's conversation is just the beginning," she explained.
"We're hoping to make this a bi-annual event. We'll be asking questions and
listening to the needs of the child care providers in our audience. If we're
going to be successful in ensuring better educational attainment for our
children, we must expand our circle of support to include everyone who supports
and teaches our children."
Photograph by Eric
Crossan
