Code: IGALA
Amity School District 4J
Adopted: 11/12/97
Early Childhood Education
The district recognizes the necessity to ensure that all children from birth through age eight have access to early childhood education opportunities. The benefits of age-appropriate early childhood education programs have been documented. The advantage of such programs for all children has been emphasized. Such programs must be comprehensive: integrating parent education and other family support programs, child care and health, social and mental health services with formal education.
To this end, early childhood educational opportunities based on research and proven successful practices will be provided. Program plans will be developed by 21st Century Schools Councils. Such programs may include extended day services for school age children who need care or enrichment opportunities. Programs designed to improve the adult to child ratios in kindergarten may also be provided. All programs provided and/or contracted by the district shall include the following components:
- Targeted services for “at-risk” children. Services may be in cooperation with local commissions on children and families to provide services to families and may include, but are not limited to, remedial and alternative academic programs, child care, parent participation and child development services;
- Efforts to improve the kindergarten through third grade curriculum and educational practices so that they:
- Are consistent with research findings on how children learn;
- Are sensitive to individual differences such as cultural background and learning styles; and
- Encourage parent participation. Such efforts may include, but are not limited to, adopting curricula and training administrators and other staff in early childhood education and child development.
- Comprehensive education, health care and social services for children provided through interagency agreements among school districts, health care and social service providers;
- Evaluation of programs by goals set by the district for the program;
- Planned transition from prekindergarten programs to kindergarten through grade three.
The superintendent may submit an application for Early Childhood Improvement Program funds through the Oregon Department of Education in accordance with applicable rules established by the State Board of Education.
END OF POLICY
Legal Reference(s):
Early Childhood Education – IGALA
(continued)