Image courtesy Pixabay.

As Superintendent of Schools, I am sincerely invested in our youngest citizens' academic and personal success. The significance of early childhood education, particularly prekindergarten (Pre-K), cannot be overstated in its role in setting the stage for lifelong learning and achievement.

Research consistently demonstrates that children participating in high-quality Pre-K programs significantly improve their overall development. These students are better prepared for kindergarten, show enhanced performance in reading and math, and are less likely to require specialized education services or retention. The long-term impacts of early education include higher graduation rates, increased earnings, and lower rates of crime and delinquency.

In the early days of my transition into the district, our team recognized the critical juncture at which these Pre-K programs stood. Initially funded by grant revenue, these Pre-K early learning programs faced the looming threat of discontinuation as the grant period neared its end. Understanding the pivotal role of early childhood education, we took decisive action to safeguard the future of our Pre-K initiatives.

Transitioning from temporary grant funding to a sustainable financial model was imperative to integrate Pre-K programs into Sarasota County's educational fabric. Our team examined existing resources, budget allocations, and potential funding streams to identify a solution to secure the continuity and expansion of our Pre-K programs. We were able to braid several funding opportunities and maximize the resources allocated to Sarasota County through our team’s diligent work.

Sarasota County Schools currently offers 19 early learning programs across 10 elementary schools, accommodating around 247 general education preschool students and 95 students who receive Exceptional Student Education (ESE) support – a total enrollment capacity of 342 students. Additionally, the district hosted 40 ESE preschool programs at 15 school sites, leading to 59 total classrooms across 16 elementary schools.

The district is set to expand its offerings with 23 early learning programs in the 2024-2025 school year. This will enable 13 elementary schools to accommodate up to 299 general education preschool students and 115 ESE-supported students, increasing the total potential enrollment to 414 preschool students. The number of classrooms will rise to 62, spanning 17 elementary schools.

Sarasota's kindergarten readiness rate – based on the Florida Assessment for Student Thinking (FAST) Star Early Literacy Assessment results for fall 2023 – was 57%, compared to the state's average of 51%. Students enrolled in Sarasota County’s early learning programs showed evidence of increased gains and performance based on district progress monitoring data. Sarasota students completing a Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) program within the community stood at 68%, highlighting the positive impact of early learning and VPK programs.

Our Pre-K programs are not just surviving; they are poised to thrive and now expand to include VPK programming. We will affirm our commitment to the youngest learners in Sarasota by ensuring that more children have access to high-quality early education. Our actions now lay the groundwork for a future where every student in Sarasota County can achieve their full potential.

Terrence Connor is the Sarasota County Superintendent of Schools.

Image courtesy Pixabay.