Skip to main content

Early Childhood

 
The First Ring Schools Collaborative is committed to implementing essential supports for early childhood learning and more specifically, in developing a model for highly effective preschool programs which establishes a desired pre-k experience for all First Ring students. To accomplish this goal, a task force representing each First Ring district has been established.

Pre-K Task Force 2019-20

Diane Schentur - Bedford
Sue Bell - Berea
N/A - Brooklyn
Danielle Vigh - Cleveland Hts-University Hts
Hillary Thomas - Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Joy Houchen - Cuyahoga Heights
N/A - East Cleveland
Sanya Henley - Euclid
Trish Moran - Fairview Park
Gina Wilson - Garfield Heights
Gordana Di Macchia - Lakewood
Stephanie Marilla - Maple Heights
Dana Johnson - Parma
Christina Messer - Richmond Heights
Kristin Koenigsberger - Shaker Heights
Lee Fuller - South Euclid Lyndhurst
Abigail Ortiz - Warrensville Heights
Dan Moss and Qianna Tidmore - Invest in Children
Karen Valenza - Task Force Coordinator
 
Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020

Vision: First Ring school districts will have a common mindset that formal education begins in preschool.

Mission: To advocate for high quality early learning experiences for all children in First Ring school districts.


Core Beliefs:
We believe early learning...
     • should be accessible and affordable for all.
     • is rooted in research-based practices that support the development of the whole child.
     • takes place through meaningful, relevant and intentional experiences in rich environments.
     • respects and responds to diversity.
     • supports students’ interests, strengths and needs.
     • values families and communities as essential partners in lifelong learning.


Goal 1: STUDENTS - We will advocate for high quality, developmentally appropriate, comprehensive preschool experiences for all early learners.
     1. Complete all screeners, intakes, assessments, referrals and evaluations within state guidelines.
     2. Produce developmentally appropriate I.E.P.s and individual goals.
     3. Support students’ physical health, mental health and social-emotional needs.
     4. Develop collaborative partnerships with families.
     5. Develop collaborative partnerships with community agencies.  

Goal 2: STAFF - We will assist and support early childhood professionals.
     1. Provide high quality professional development to all staff.
     2. Compensate all staff members appropriately.
     3. Provide adequate supervision of preschool.
     4. Promote staff continuity/reduce turnover.

Goal 3: TRANSITIONS - We will promote a seamless transition for all early childhood students.
     1. Use a research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum.
     2. Provide a coherent registration process for Pre-K and K.
     3. Offer opportunities for students without a formal Pre-K experience to be prepared for K.

Goal 4: OPERATIONS - We will encourage best practices for Pre-K operations.
     1. Make Pre-K (in-district programs) accessible to all.
     2. Expand Pre-K student enrollment.
     3. Re-evaluate the cost of Pre-K.
     4. Advertise preschool programs.
     5. Provide support for SUTQ/licensing.