Kansas Prekindergarten Guide

In October 2015, the Kansas State Board of Education announced a new vision for education in Kansas. The Kansans CAN Vision - "Kansas leads the world in the success of each student" - became the branded theme for Kansas education. This initiative motivated the creation of this document. Kindergarten Readiness is one of five Kansas State Board of Education measurable outcomes, which also include: (1) Social-emotional growth measured locally; (2) Individual Plan of Study focused on career interest; (3) High school graduation; and (4) Postsecondary. School readiness occurs within a broad context and includes four components: community, educational environment, family and the individual child. These four components function as interdependent systems of support with multidirectional influences. Rich early childhood experiences, from birth through age 8, are necessary for school success and directly influence children's future successes. This "Kansas Prekindergarten Guide" provides prekindergarten teachers, providers and administrators with common references for high-quality and evidence-based prekindergarten practices. This guide supports the implementation of developmentally appropriate and academically rigorous prekindergarten programs. Prekindergarten teachers and administrators are encouraged to discuss the contents of this guide together. Contents address: transitions; child development; learning environment; classroom management; family engagement; Kansas curricular standards for prekindergarten; assessment; and program structures. [For the previous version (2019), see ED598973. For the "Kansas Full-Day Kindergarten Guide," see ED615226.]