Jefferson-Clarion Head Start staff are committed to making the transition from Head Start to Kindergarten as smooth and successful as possible for both children and their families. To facilitate this transition, teachers utilize the Creative Curriculum that is aligned with the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards and to provide continuity between Head Start and Kindergarten. This curriculum also provides tools that allow teachers to individualize lessons and activities for each child. This assures that each child is receiving appropriate challenges, that will allow these children to learn at their fullest potential.
School readiness goals have been identified for children in a variety of domains that are aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Framework and Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Standards. All enrolled children are assessed three times each year utilizing Teaching Strategies Gold. Results of these assessments are aggregated and analyzed at the program and center levels. Teachers use the assessments to formulate goals within each child’s Individual Curriculum Plan and review them with the parents.
Jefferson-Clarion Head Start, Inc. also maintains open communication and cooperation with parents, early intervention programs, and local school districts. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition and seamless provision of services for all preschool children. Some of these responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Transition/Education Advisory Committee meeting that occur twice a year
• Assistance with Kindergarten registrations
• The transfer of Passport to Kindergarten portfolios, with parental consent, at transition meetings with Head Start staff and incoming Kindergarten programs
• Field trips to new school settings
• Dissemination of information and activity packets, at the end of the year, to help parents work with their child during the summer months to maintain the school readiness skills obtained in Head Start.
Additionally, our program is currently participating in the Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources, and Support) initiative. All of our centers are STAR4.
