The community is teaming up to lift up young learners with Early Learning Connection, a new Fayette County Public Schools initiative.
The goals of the gathering were building connections within the early childhood community and raising awareness around the importance of early childhood development. Information was shared about the importance of what happens with our earliest learners before they begin and after entering Fayette County Public Schools.
Participants included elementary schools principals and other school system personnel, along with local librarians and representatives from community pre-k programs and other community agencies who support young learners.
Maggie Walls, Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement, Heidi Pfannenstiel, Executive Director of Elementary Education, and Angie Southers, Director of After School Programs and Early Learning, outlined the purpose of Early Learning Connection and its potential to improve education outcomes for new students.
Ashley Brookshaw, Coordinator of Assessment and Accountability, discussed GKIDS Readiness Check and how it helps determine a new student’s preparedness for kindergarten.
Caroline Schmitt, Curriculum Coordinator of K-5 English Language Arts, focused on the school system’s approach to early literacy.
Dr. Julie Turner with JAT Educational Consulting talked about Building Brains from the Beginning and its numerous resources for parents aiding the development of young children.
The gathering yielded good dialogue and opportunities for improvement. One such agreement was the need for creation of helpful tools like the portrait of a rising kindergartener and what makes one well-prepared.
