Early Learning Bridge Pilot

The Early Learning Bridge pilot was initiated in response to a complicated gap in kindergarten readiness. Polk Vision in collaboration with the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County and Polk County Public Schools’ Early Childhood Education are exploring ways to bridge the uneven level of skills and knowledge among children entering kindergarten, with some arriving well-prepared and others significantly behind.
Early Learning Bridge Pilot
The Kindness Book
The Early Learning Coalition of Polk County introduced its "Be Kind! Polk" initiative after learning through the Early Learning Bridge Pilot that kindergarten teachers in Polk County ranked kindness as an essential trait that preschoolers needed to possess to be kindergarten-ready.

The Early Learning Bridge pilot facilitated collaborations between VPK teachers and Kindergarten teachers with the aim of creating a positive learning atmosphere for instructors that improves student outcomes.

With support from PCPS school administrators, eleven in-person observations were arranged for private VPK teachers to spend a day with selected highly effective PCPS Kindergarten teachers. While in the classroom, VPK teachers witnessed first-hand the social-emotional milestones that should be met for a successful kindergarten student. These include self-regulation, clear communication of needs, the ability to take direction, and effective peer interaction.

 

“
This project revealed a truly insightful and eye-opening understanding of kindergarten teacher expectations regarding kindergarten readiness. At a time when quantifiable assessment data drives educational performance, this project exposed tremendous relevance to how social and emotional learning impacts pre-kindergarten children and the necessity of developing a formal vertical articulation between pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms.
Dr. Marc Hutek

Chief Executive Officer,
Early Learning Coalition of Polk County

The Early Learning Bridge Pilot committee members compiled their observations and recommendations in a report that was presented during the Fall 202S Summit.

Early Learning Bridge Pilot Class
Dr. Marc Hutek of the Early Learning Coalition updated attendees about their priorities in serving our youngest learners and the ELC's Kindness initiative to build kindergarten readiness through empathy and social-emotional learning.

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