Continuum of Minimally Adequate Early Childhood Services
BB1=10-15%
BB2=13-15%
Non-Graduation= 10-15% (net of those BB)
Graduates who are "poor"=12-24%
Total = 45-69% (approximately the "poor" estimated at 57%)
HIGHEST RISK/EARLY INTERVENTION (HR/EI): 10-15%
- 5% DISABLED: children who are identified through BabyNet and other early intervention screening but with more served.
- 10% CHILDREN IN HIGH RISK FAMILIES: These families and children would be served through Parenting/Family Literacy and Support Services (P/FL+S). They would be the recruited and selected as the lowest educated parents plus those with other serious risks that endanger their children's development and school readiness. Since 20% of all births are to mothers who did not complete high school, these families must be screened to determine their actual school performance and literacy so that the most at risk will be served. Likewise the families with other problems such as depression, substance abuse, domestic violence, limited English proficiency, incarceration, separation of children from parents, and other critical circumstances must also be recruited to reach their children who may be at serious risk of substantial deficiency in their language, cognitive, social, behavioral, and emotional readiness for success in school. Additional consideration must be given to the daily environment experienced by the children. Some families with good parenting skills but whose work schedules leave the child in care with substandard nurturance and stimulation will need support, including consultation and guidance to the persons or organizations providing the care when the parents are absent. To serve 10% annually in the HR/EI group, double or triple this number will participate at some time during the children's pre-school years, so that those at highest risk are identified for intensive service at ages 3 and 4.
3K SERVICE TO THE HIGHEST RISK CHILDREN: Because the BB1 group has at least 10% of children and because their needs are too profound to be resolved through only one year of 4k service, it seems that 3k should serve full-day the most at risk 10% and also provide their parents with supportive P/FL+S service. The 3k programs could be provided in classes combined with 4k where the numbers of children are insufficient to create a separate 3k class.
PRE-4K SUMMER SCREENING AND ENRICHMENT: Each school district would offer a 2-3 week summer session during June to children who meet risk criteria for the child or, when child risks are not known, based on family risks. During this service the needs of the children would be screened through authentic and other assessment. Based on this and previous P/FL+S assessment, children would be selected for full-day 4k service or for half-day and/or other services based on the types and severity of each child's needs.
4K FULL-DAY FOR 30-40% OF 4 YEAR-OLDS: These children would have been selected based on screening and assessment during HR/EI and Summer-4 service. Based on screening results and if practical for the families, some children with less severe needs in geographic areas with large numbers of needy children might attend only half-day programs.
PRE-5K SUMMER COUNTDOWN-TO-KINDERGARTEN: Service would be provided for all at-risk children (those previously identified plus the "poor" not yet served). This service would take place in June, followed by P/FL+S service by either their 5k teachers or by P/FL+S staff for those families needing more specialized family services.