Early Childhood Education - Forth Worth ISD

Fort Worth

Dallas

Early Childhood Education (Ages 0 – 5)

Deciding on a childcare or preschool program for your child can be an overwhelming and
stressful task. There are many things to consider including:

• Quality
• Location
• Cost
• Hours of operation

Many of these issues can be easily resolved with a quick phone call or visit to the program’s
website. Judging quality should be a main concern for parents, and may require more effort.

Why is Early Childhood Education Important?

The first five years of a child’s life are the most important in brain development. During this
time, children learn at a more rapid rate than at any other period in their lives. Children who
attend high quality early education programs are more likely to:

• Be ready for kindergarten
• Score well on standardized tests
• Go to college
• Have higher paying jobs as adults

A supportive and engaging early childhood education program is important because it starts
infants and toddlers on the path to lifelong success.

What are my Pre-Kindergarten Options in Dallas ISD and Fort Worth ISD?

Fort Worth ISD will transition to universal Pre-Kindergarten during the 2015-2016 school year, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have additional options right now. During the 2014-2015 school year, Fort Worth ISD will continue to offer Pre-Kindergarten to students who meet the federal guidelines, and will offer services on a space-available basis to non-qualifying students. In order to meet federal eligibility requirements, a child must:

• Be four years old on or before September 1st of the school year (proof of birth date required) and reside within the boundary lines of FWISD (proof of residence required); or
• Not speak or understand the English language and be classified as a LEP student by the Student Placement Center; or
• Be eligible for National School Lunch Program (proof of family income required); or
• Being homeless (Letter from a shelter/hotel required as well as a completed Homeless Questionnaire); or
• Qualify by Military (Proof such as military ID card is required); or
• If child is in or ever was in foster care (letter from Texas Department of Family & Protective Services is required)

If your child is not eligible under the federal guidelines, but you want to enroll your child in Pre-Kindergarten, you should work with your neighborhood school principal and school leadership to help you find placement.

What Should You Look for in a Childcare or Pre-school Program?

Early childhood education programs, such as Pre-K and academically focused childcare, set children up to be successful students before they ever step into a kindergarten classroom. These programs should provide children with developmentally appropriate instruction in vocabulary, early literacy, phonemic awareness, math, and other areas that students often struggle with during their elementary years. In addition, these programs also help children become more comfortable with the routines and structures of the school environment.

Licensed childcare facilities are monitored and regulated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The state routinely inspects these facilities and enforces basic health and safety standards. You can view records of the state’s inspections at www.dontbeinthedark.org/‎. In addition, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredits and certifies centers. The NAEYC standards are much higher than the state’s minimum standards. A list of centers accredited by NAEYC is available at www.naeyc.org/academy/accreditation/search .

In addition to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, there are also several other organizations that provide childcare accreditation, including:

• National Association for Family Child Care Accreditation (NAFCC), www.nafcc.org
• National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA), www.necpa.net
• National Accreditation Commission (NAC), www.earlylearningleaders.org

How to Locate Childcare

If you need help locating childcare, there are resources available to help! Childcare resource and referral agencies can help parents find information on locating quality child care in their community. You can contact Camp Fire Child Care Resource and Referral if you need help locating child care or after school programs in the North Texas area- 817-831-2111 or [email protected].

After checking the program’s accreditation status and the state’s records for violations and compliance, you should visit the center to gain a better sense of both the physical and emotional environment.

Visiting the Center

During your visit, CHILDREN AT RISK recommends that you should spend 20-30 minutes talking to staff and watching classroom routines (circle time, book reads, and center time are the best times to observe). Try not to visit during meal and nap times, as you will be less likely to see the quality of learning activities between the staff and children.

Things to look for in the classroom’s physical environment:

• Classrooms and areas for children should be open and visible from any point within the classroom. This ensures that the teachers can always see your child and make sure that your child is not at risk for injury or participating in unsafe activities.
• Age appropriate materials such as alphabet posters, letter walls, calendars, and weather and reading charts should be at your child’s eye level (not near the ceiling or at an adult’s eye level).
• For classrooms serving children 3 years and older, look for evidence of writing (both children’s and teacher’s), sorting, and counting, as well as number, letter and word recognition. These are all good signs that the program provides academic enrichment activities.

Things to look for in the classroom’s emotional environment:

• Students should feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings in the classroom. The classroom should not be a place for unkind words, bullying, or verbal abuse, as these are detrimental to the child’s well-being and social development.
• Ask staff specifically about their discipline policies.
• Also watch how staff members interact with one another and to the children both in and out of the classroom.

Teacher Qualifications
Ask teachers and staff about their qualifications. You are trusting your child to their program and have the right to make sure they are qualified! Early childhood teachers should have formal training in the field of early childhood education. The minimum requirements in the state of Texas are

• A high school diploma or GED
• 24 hours of pre-service training, and
• 24 hours of annual continuing education for early childcare professionals. Suggested teacher trainings include classes on curriculum, safety practices, first aid, and emergency preparedness.

The most common qualifications for early childhood instructors are:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education (or another field) with a teaching certificate from the state specifying an Early Childhood qualification: teachers holding this degree and certification have rigorous training in classroom management, curriculum, and at least one semester of practicum in a classroom under the observation of a mentor teacher.
• Early Childhood Associates Degree or Child Development Associates Degree from an accredited program: teachers holding this degree have spent 2 years learning how to provide the appropriate environment and curriculum for children in their classroom.

Other Things to Consider and Ask About:

• Waiting lists: Many early childhood programs have waiting lists and a registration process, including a non-refundable deposit.
• Food menus: Some programs ask parents to provide the food for their child, while others offer meals and snacks. For those that serve food, menus should be available to give you an example of the types of foods being served. If parents are expected to provide meals and snacks, ask how the food is stored throughout the day (refrigerator or at room temperature) so you know what you should pack.
• Time spent on the playground: Children should spend 30-45 minutes on the playground in the morning and afternoon (weather permitting).
• Screen time (TV and Computers): It is recommended that screen time be limited to no more than 1 to 2 hours per day for children over 2 years of age, so make sure to ask how the school incorporates TV and computers.
• Childcare financial assistance: Families meeting specific requirements (financial and other factors) are eligible for childcare assistance. Check with your local Workforce solutions office to see if you qualify for childcare assistance. To locate your local Workforce Solutions office, go to: www.twc.state.tx.us/dirs/wdas/directory-offices-services.html