Project ACT
School Readiness
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” -Anne Frank
What is School Readiness?
Children are considered ready for school when the areas of physical health, social and emotional development, communication and language development, cognition, and approach to learning (e.g., curiosity, confidence, creativity) have been assessed and addressed in a way that will support and promote their ability to learn.
Abilities Network’s Project ACT School Readiness Innovations Grant:
Project ACT, in partnering with Maryland State Department of Education/Office of Child Care (MSDE/OCC), Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and the Baltimore County Public Library, now provides an innovative and creative array of support services to classroom teachers with the goal of promoting school readiness.
- Project ACT provides demonstration lessons and learning strategies to teachers, including interactive activities, field trips, learning through creative arts, and more.
- Baltimore County Public Library’s “Read Rover” makes monthly visits to child care centers to read stories and allow teachers to check out books.
- Port Discovery Children’s Museum held a “Countdown to Kindergarten School Readiness Fair” that provided hands-on readiness activities, interactive singing and storytelling.
- MSDE/OCC provides support for teachers and parents by promoting school readiness.
Here are some helpful websites:
www.ncld.org The National Center for Learning Disabilities website provides information and strategies to parents, professionals and persons with learning disabilities.
www.getreadytoread.org Get Ready to Read is a screening tool designed for four year olds to assess their literacy skills. This screening can be completed online and has accompanying activities to enhance children’s skills.
www.teachmorelovemore.org Contains information for parents about child development and answers to frequently asked questions. This website is translated into English, Español and Kreyòl.
www.mdk12.org/instruction/ensure/MMSR defines and explains the five components of school readiness as well as their implementation.
www.countdownmd.org provides helpful tips and resources to parents and advocates.
www.zerotothree.org parents and professionals will obtain new strategies and skills at this website. The latest public policy changes affecting young children are reported.
www.do2learn.com supports children with special needs by providing helpful resources and free materials to teachers and parents.
www.readyatfive.org provides innovative models, tools and resources supporting educators, parents and community leaders.
www.portdiscovery.com Port Discovery Children’s Museum’s website shows the interactive exhibits that explore learning for the whole family.
www.pbskids.com offers a wide selection of educational games, sing-along music, printable coloring pages and more.
www.bcplonline.org Baltimore County Public Library provides ideas, activities and resources.
www.getset4k.org provides new strategies each month that will help parents prepare children for kindergarten.
www.mdchildcare.org Maryland Committee for Children offers child care LOCATE services as well as information, skills and activities to prepare children for school. Resources and updates and public policy are reported.
www.preschoolexpress.com parents, providers and teachers will learn helpful suggestions and activities that promote school readiness.
www.kinderart.com provides creative theme-based ideas for preschool classrooms.
www.preschoolrainbow.org is a repository of ideas and activities for early childhood teachers.
www.sproutonline.com PBS Kids Sprouts provides information and activities that includes games, videos, crafts and recipes for children, parents and caregivers.
www.naeyc.org National Association for the Education of Young Children website provides cutting edge research and practical strategies for the global development of young children.
www.vanderbilt.edu/csefel The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning promotes social emotional development and school readiness. Helpful resources and links are included.
www.buildinitiative.org is a multi-state partnership serving the policy needs of young children and families by helping states construct a coordinated system of programs.
www.gettingready.org lists up-to-date multi-state initiatives in school readiness.
http://readyweb.crc.uiuc.edu is an e-collection of school readiness resources.
www.parentcenter.com offers helpful developmentally appropriate strategies.
www.kraftfoods.com provides age-appropriate cooking skills and recipes.
www.kids-cooking-activities.com is a resource site for cooking activities, picture recipes and more.
www.parents.com is a great website with information on arts, crafts, cooking recipes and strategies to deal with “picky eaters.”
www.childrensrecipes.com is a resource to find recipes that children will enjoy making and eating.
Websites for Maryland Infants and Toddlers and Child Find Programs:
Infants and Toddlers provides screening, evaluations, intervention and supports for children, ages birth through three, with developmental delays and their families.
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/earlyinterv/infant_toddlers
Child Find provides screening and evaluations designed to locate, identify and make referrals for intervention for all young children over the age of three with disabilities and their families.
www.marylandpublicschools.org/msde/divisions/earlyinterv/infant_toddlers/directories/child_find.htm