Mary Ann Dostaler
Hartford School Readiness Council

Family Pre-K School Readiness Day

Saturday June 1, 2002

Excerpt

Since the Hartford School Readiness began five years ago, nearly 10,000 children have taken part in the city's early learning programs. Today there are more than 50 early childhood classrooms throughout Hartford - family-friendly centers right in your neighborhood staffed with experienced teachers and dedicated, caring staff.

One of the goals of Hartford School Readiness Pre-K Programs is to prepare your children to enter kindergarten ready to learn. Research has shown that children who go to high-quality Pre-K School Readiness programs do better in school, are more likely to finish high school, and make more money than children who don't.

In a structured and carefully arranged early childhood classroom, playing is learning for 3 and 4 year olds. Teachers in Hartford's school readiness pre-K programs make sure that children discover the hidden lessons in their play activities. When children are ready for kindergarten, they and their parents are given an opportunity to become familiar with their kindergarten school, teacher and daily schedule. Children can then enter school with an enthusiasm to learn and with the early skills they need to succeed.