Expanding Access to High-Quality Early Childhood Learning
In an exciting move to strengthen early education in the community, Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Child Care Associates and the Blue Ribbon Action Committee on Child Care. This collaboration aims to provide families with greater access to high-quality pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs, ensuring that every child in Fort Worth has the opportunity to thrive from the earliest stages of their educational journey.
The new initiative, known as Neighborhood PreK, integrates FWISD’s pre-K offerings with community-based child care providers, creating a comprehensive and flexible model that caters to the diverse needs of working families. By bridging the gap between public education and community-based care, this partnership seeks to enhance school readiness, support family schedules, and promote long-term academic success for all students.
Addressing the Unmet Need in Pre-K Programs
According to Fort Worth ISD’s interim Superintendent, Karen Molinar, the district’s goal is to ensure that “every child in Fort Worth is prepared for success in kindergarten and beyond.” This partnership represents a significant step towards achieving that objective by addressing the existing unmet need in school-based pre-K programs.
“This partnership addresses the existing unmet need in school-based pre-kindergarten programs by integrating community-based child care options, providing more flexibility for families and better supporting their diverse needs,” Molinar stated.
By integrating community-based child care with public education, the Neighborhood PreK program aims to stabilize the economic model of child care providers and offer families greater choice and access to high-quality early learning opportunities.
Expanding Family Choice and Improving Kindergarten Readiness
Designed to meet the needs of Fort Worth’s working families, Neighborhood PreK plans to extend learning hours beyond traditional school schedules, allowing for co-enrollment in both district pre-K and community-based child care programs. This innovative approach provides families with increased flexibility and better supports their diverse needs.
“This partnership represents a new era in early childhood education in Fort Worth,” said Amity Halstead, the executive director of Neighborhood PreK. “By bringing together school-based and community-based care, we’re able to provide families with more choices, well-supported, enhanced programs and a pathway to lifelong success for their children.”
The partnership also emphasizes the importance of kindergarten readiness, a critical milestone for long-term academic success. By aligning with research-based curriculum standards and utilizing assessment tools, Neighborhood PreK aims to ensure that all children are reading at grade level by the time they reach third grade.
Enhancing Quality and Professional Development
To further elevate the quality of early childhood education, the Neighborhood PreK partnership will focus on the professional development of its educators. Through mentorship, coaching, and the implementation of research-based instructional strategies, the program aims to support and empower its teaching staff.
“The partnership said it’s committed to the goal that all children are reading on grade level by third grade — a milestone educators say is critical for long-term academic success,” the Fort Worth Report noted.
Additionally, the Neighborhood PreK program will work closely with FWISD to identify and support students with special needs, while also providing bilingual education services to meet the diverse linguistic needs of the community.
Leveraging Funding and Partnerships
The Neighborhood PreK partnership is designed to leverage a combination of local funding and state-administered funds from Senate Bill 1882, which provides incentives for districts to collaborate with various entities, including nonprofits and government agencies.
“By integrating community-based child care with public education, the partnership will help stabilize the economic model of child care providers, according to Child Care Associates’ proposal,” the Fort Worth Report article explains.
This public-private collaboration represents a strategic approach to enhancing early education, drawing on the expertise and resources of both the school district and community-based organizations.
Commitment to Equity and Accessibility
At the heart of the Neighborhood PreK initiative is a commitment to ensuring that every child in Fort Worth, regardless of their background, has access to high-quality early learning opportunities. This aligns with FWISD’s mission of providing equitable and inclusive education for all students.
“Our goal is to ensure that every child in Fort Worth is prepared for success in kindergarten and beyond,” Molinar emphasized. “This partnership addresses the existing unmet need in school-based pre-kindergarten programs by integrating community-based child care options, providing more flexibility for families and better supporting their diverse needs.”
By bridging the gap between school-based and community-based early childhood education, the Neighborhood PreK program aims to create a more seamless and accessible pathway for families to access the resources and support their children need to thrive.
Conclusion: A New Era in Early Childhood Education
The partnership between FWISD, Child Care Associates, and the Blue Ribbon Action Committee on Child Care represents a significant step forward in enhancing early childhood education in the Fort Worth community. Through the Neighborhood PreK initiative, families will have greater access to high-quality pre-K programs, increased flexibility, and a stronger foundation for their children’s long-term academic success.
As Amity Halstead, the executive director of Neighborhood PreK, eloquently stated, “This partnership represents a new era in early childhood education in Fort Worth. By bringing together school-based and community-based care, we’re able to provide families with more choices, well-supported, enhanced programs and a pathway to lifelong success for their children.”
The Fort Worth community can look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on its youngest learners, setting them up for a lifetime of academic and personal growth. For more information about the Neighborhood PreK program and other educational opportunities in Fort Worth ISD, please visit the district’s website.
