A task force charged with improving early childhood education in Kentucky is recommending the state develop a model curriculum for preschool programs and implement a screening tool for children entering kindergarten, reports the Lexington Herald-Leader. The Task Force on Early Childhood Development and Education released its findings Monday at a news conference in Frankfort. The group made eight recommendations that it said would strengthen Kentucky’s childhood education system. Gov. Steve Beshear convened the task force in February 2009.
The 28-member panel also recommended that the state adopt and distribute a universal school readiness definition to local communities and develop a governing model for early childhood education programs. Early childhood or preschool programs in Kentucky are run by a variety of entities, including Head Start, school districts and private concerns. Beshear said the state would study the task force’s recommendations.
“This is a crucial and urgent initiative,” he said.…Read More