Education

Kindergarten Goal: Children enter kindergarten ready to learn

The first five years of a child's life are a time of enormous social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth. The pace of this growth depends on whether a child's eagerness to learn is stimulated by his or her environment. For children to grow into successful adults, they need a supportive and healthy early foundation. Research, experience and local data show that investing in early childhood education:

  • Reduces the achievement gap between at-risk children and their peers – a gap that, without high-quality intervention, widens over time
  • Increases cognitive and social skill development, which is mostly complete by age five
  • Costs less and provides a higher rate of return on investment than student remediation
  • Increases a child’s likelihood of graduating from high school and improves adult earning potential and employability

To learn more about helping a child be prepared for kindergarten, click here:

K-Ready Reno County Kindergarten Checklist

Kids on Track Goal: Students are on or above grade level in reading and math

High-quality teaching, involved parents and caregivers, and community engagement are all critical ingredients to ensuring positive academic outcomes and long-term student success. Teacher training, professional development and support for students and families must align with high expectations for every student. In order to promote student success, educators, families, service providers and the community must focus on ensuring students gain the necessary skills and knowledge at each transition point to be successful.

On Time Graduation to Career Goal: Students graduate from high school prepared for college or post-secondary training, enroll in college or a certificate program, graduate or complete their program, and enter the workforce.

The 21st Century global economy demands education beyond high school, whether it is a high-skilled certification or a two-year or four-year degree. Students, families, and teachers must have access to college and career information and support. A more educated community leads to enhanced economic development and an expansion of work opportunities resulting in a better quality of life for the entire community.
 

Higher levels of education are correlated with increased financial stability, and higher levels of civic participation including volunteerism and voting. College graduates also have lower smoking rates, more positive perceptions of personal health, and lower incarceration rates.

Parents with small children check out:

Hey Little Hutch