Durham County’s Transition to Kindergarten Initiative
The transition to kindergarten is one of the most significant transitions that a young child experiences and it lays the foundation for future success in school. A smooth transition to kindergarten is a shared responsibility among many individuals and institutions including children, families, teachers, schools and the community. Durham’s Partnership for Children is working with Durham Public Schools to build a Transition to Kindergarten Plan for Durham County that begins in preschool and continues through kindergarten which engages all partners― children, families, early childhood teachers, and school age teachers.
For more information about Durham’s Transition to Kindergarten Plan, please contact Kate Irish, Durham’s Partnership for Children, 919-403-6960
, kate@dpfc.net or Kate MacDonell, Durham Public Schools, 919-560-9403, Kate.MacDonell@dpsnc.net.
Transition to Kindergarten EventsCountdown to Kindergarten
The Countdown to Kindergarten event is held in August at the Museum of Life and Science. Participants from Durham Public Schools, Durham’s Partnership for Children and community partners welcome families to Kindergarten. Information, activities and resources are available to families during this family-friendly event.
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Steps to School Parents Night
The TTK initiative was created as a collaboration of the Partnership and Durham Public Schools, designed to create a positive, informed, prepared, and seamless transition for young children as they prepare to enter into kindergarten.
To support this goal, DPS and the Partnership host themed Steps to School Parent Nights each year at the DPS Staff Development Center. The February theme was early literacy, the March theme was health and wellness, and the April theme was Math and Science.
Teachers Talk Forum
Preschool and Kindergarten teachers are invited to participate in a Teachers’ Talk event to highlight what is working in school readiness and transition and what are the opportunities for future improvement.
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Steps to School NewslettersThree family newsletters are published and distributed during the year. Each newsletter focuses on an area of development such as early literacy, social and emotional development and health. Information, community resources and activities are highlighted.
•• Steps to School VI - Fall 2011; Spanish publication•• Steps to School V - Spring/Summer 2011; Spanish publication•• Steps to School IV - Math issue; Spanish publication•• Steps to School III - Social/Emotional issue; Spanish publication
•• Steps to School II - Health issue; Spanish publication•• Steps to School I - First issue; Spanish publication
| Parents: Did you know that your child has three options for elementary school?
» Click here to learn about Neighborhood Schools, Year Round Schools, and Magnet Schools. [Spanish publication]
» Click on the Student Map Assignment symbol on the Durham Public Schools home page to locate your child's assigned schools.
Is your child healthy and ready for kindergarten?
Click here for more information regarding the Kindergarten Health Assessment project. |
Resources