Regional Forum for
School Readiness
Creating Optimal Outcomes for Children from Birth to 5

On May 19, 2008, at Virginia Commonwealth University, 150 leaders from local governments, schools and non-profits from Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Petersburg and Richmond came together to further the development of a regional school readiness plan.

Definition of School Readiness:
Ready children are prepared socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually to enter Kindergarten "ready" to succeed.  Ready children live in nurturing families, have high quality early care and health services, are supported by an enriching and caring community, and enter ready schools.  So all the players that contribute to the support of children - families, health care providers, schools, cultural and enrichment programs, early childhood experts and providers, child abuse prevention experts, businesses and local governments, higher education - are integral to making sure that all of our region's children are Ready Children.

If...
Ready Families have support to help ensure a stable, positive and enriching family life;
Ready Services are available and affordable programs offered by quality service providers to promote the health, safety, education and nuturing care of young children;
Ready Schools are prepared to accept and educate entering kindergarteners from home, community and school-based preschool programs;
Ready Communities provide resources to families with young children through the public and private sectors, have cultural institutions that provide enrichment for young children, and generate public will to support early childhood development;

Then...
Ready Children will enter school ready to succeed.

Forum Materials:
Agenda
Keynote Address
   Scott R. McConnell, Ph.D.
   Director of Community Engagement, Center for Early Education & Development
   University of Minnesota
Breakout Sessions Concerning Component Areas
   Ready Families
   Ready Services - Health
   Ready Services - Early Care & Education
   Ready Schools
   Ready Community
Regional School Readiness Plan Overview
Glossary of Terms
Research & Data

Click here to view the May 19th draft of the regional school readiness plan. 

Click here to view videos of the forum presentations.

Your feedback is appreciated. Please contact Barbara Couto Sipe at 804-771-5869 or coutob@yourunitedway.org with all comments and questions.