Giving Compass' Take:

• The Annie E. Casey Foundation published a report on how prepared children feel for Kindergarten. The report highlights key finding and bright spots surrounding preparedness as well as recommendations. 

• How can being unprepared for Kindergarten change the trajectory of someone's life?

• Read about how some preschools are helping kids prepare for Kindergarten through arts education. 

Atlanta’s Dunbar Learning Complex is advancing an ambitious mission: To prepare children for kindergarten and have their health needs to be met while also helping parents secure family-supporting jobs and financial stability. And a new Annie E. Casey Foundation report, Helping Children and Parents Succeed Together suggests that the complex is on the right track.

The report references an ongoing evaluation, conducted by the Urban Child Study Center at Georgia State University, that points to early education gains among kids enrolled in the complex’s child care services, provided by Educare Atlanta. Among the bright spots:

  • 79% of Educare Atlanta’s prekindergarten students performed at or above average on the Bracken School Readiness Assessment;
  • 76% of Educare Atlanta’s preschool students and 82% of prekindergarten students performed at or above average on a common reading readiness screener; and
  • 96% of Educare Atlanta’s prekindergarten students demonstrated age-appropriate social emotional skills that support positive behavior, achievement and learning, according to teachers.

The Casey Foundation report also highlights recommendations — offered by key partners of the complex — aimed at enhancing the coordination of services for children and their parents:

  • Strong, committed leadership in all partner organizations is key;
  • Successful partnerships must dedicate time to develop relationships and build goodwill;
  • Genuine collaboration often requires organizations to adopt new ways of working; and
  • Continuous evaluation and readjustment as needed are essential to progress.

Read the full article about kindergarten preparation at The Annie E. Casey Foundation