The Kindergarten Readiness Network is focused on helping children be prepared to learn.
The Kindergarten Readiness Network brings together representatives from various agencies in Alamance County, such as the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Department of Social Services (DSS), Alamance County Health Department (ACHD), the Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) and other community partners, to collaborate on interventions tied to the development of young children. The transition into kindergarten is a milestone for children and families. Successful kindergarten transitions enable children to thrive in school, adjust quickly to classroom rhythms and expectations, and get connected to timely and appropriate supports.
Amy Richardson, Chief Accountability Officer Accountability Division the Office of Student Learning with ABSS, explained, “Kindergarten Readiness is about bringing the community together to understand the importance of prenatal health, early childhood wellness, access to community support, Pre-K opportunities and various other resources and programs that aid a child’s social, emotional, academic and motor skill development.”
Doing this not only creates clear pathways for resources and supports to be introduced and evaluated for effectiveness, but it also gives caregivers a guidepost on which to reflect as they think about their own young child’s development. Richardson added, “Ultimately, the Kindergarten Readiness Network is establishing the scope of important and aligned work that our community can do to increase not only educational outcomes for students, but quality of life outcomes for residents of Alamance County.”
Linda M. Stubblefield, a network member of the Kindergarten Readiness Network, became involved when she learned the long-term effect that better preparing children for kindergarten could have on the children’s lives and the well-being of the greater community.
“The goal is to create opportunity for all children and to make sure that at the end of their learning cycle they are equipped to be better citizens and employees,” Stubblefield said. As a former business person, Stubblefield was excited about the potential the network would provide.
“In leveling the playing field, they create a better business environment and a better educated public. We want every child to have an education that will make them employable AND fulfilled.” —Linda Stubblefield, network member of the Kindergarten Readiness Network
Because of COVID-19, the work of the Kindergarten Readiness Network has shifted significantly. Rather than continuing the work of preparation, the group is focused on responding to more immediate issues such as food insecurity, housing and social/emotional support.
Stubblefield understands the impact poverty can have on a child’s educational outcomes, and she credited Alamance Achieves’ roll in directing the work of the Kindergarten Readiness Network to create a more equitable environment in Alamance County. “I think more than anything Alamance Achieves wants to help all these kids and their families make the gap between the haves and have nots not so big.”
Richardson shared that Alamance Achieves was integral in setting the stage for the work of the group. “They provide the space and resources to bring a diverse group of stakeholders together to examine the current data, listen for voids that need to be filled and equip the team with research-based interventions,” she said. “Additionally, they set the tempo for the work and keep the whole picture in mind even when the work is focused on various smaller details.”
While the pandemic has upended many things, Richardson said it has provided an unplanned time for reflection. Once COVID-19 is less of a concern, she anticipated, “The work of the Kindergarten Readiness Network will shift to even greater community voice and involvement.”
