6141.8

Instructions

School Readiness/Day-Care

The critical importance of the early years in determining the educational development of children is recognized by the Board of Education.  Insofar as resources permit, programs designed to help meet the physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs of preschool children ages three and four are encouraged.  Such programs shall promote the health and safety of children and prepare them for formal schooling.  In the utilization of resources, however, including available space, first priority is assigned to the regular school program for grades K through 12.  A cooperative arrangement with another school district may be considered.

The Board directs the Superintendent, in cooperation with the chief elected official of the town, to develop and submit a plan to the State Department of Education which fulfills the requirement of C.G.S. 17b-749a and which enables the district to seek funding on a competitive grant basis established for this purpose.

In addition, recognizing the need to fulfill the statutory program requirements for school readiness programs, detailed in C.G.S. 10-169, the Board directs that an emphasis shall be placed on a plan for the incorporation of appropriate pre-literacy practices and teacher training in such practices and professi0nal development for staff which includes, but is not limited to, training in pre-literacy skills development and designed to assure respect for racial and ethnic diversity.

The Board regards parental involvement and community cooperation as an integral part of this program.  A local school readiness council, its composition and duties specified by statute, shall be formed and convened by the Superintendent.

Legal Reference:   Connecticut General Statutes

17b-749a Establishment of school readiness program. Council as amended by PA 97-259 An Act Concerning School Readiness and Child Day Care.

Policy adopted: