Preschool Forum Provides Elk Grove Area Parents with Helpful Information
Posted December 13, 2005
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On December 12, 2005, parents, educators and community leaders in the Elk Grove community gathered at the Trigg Education Center to learn about the educational benefits of preschool.
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) in partnership with First 5 Sacramento hosted the community forum in an effort to help parents make informed decisions about preschool options for their children.
At the forum, a panel of experts discussed the importance of preschool and how cost-effective preschool can enhance a community.
"The Elk Grove Unified School District is committed to providing high quality preschool programs for our diverse population of learners," said Steve M. Ladd, Ed.D, Elk Grove Unified School District Superintendent. "Our goal is to prepare our students for a successful transition to kindergarten and to build a strong foundation for learning."
In May 2005, the Sacramento County Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution in support of voluntary, quality preschool for all four-year-olds in California. The Sacramento County Office of Education's School Readiness Office provides assistance and coordination to foster the development of preschool in the county.
"Making sure all children succeed in school and in life is a responsibility that we all share," said Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon, who presented welcoming remarks.
The forum provided parents with the opportunity to get information about quality preschool programs and find out about the wealth of free resource materials that are available to them. It also provided local parents and teachers an opportunity to offer their own personal observations on the value of quality preschool programs.
Cindy Aboukhadijeh, a Title I Preschool teacher at Charles Mack Elementary in Elk Grove, served as a member of the forum's Community Voices panel. The teacher said that she believes that preschool is vital to a child's educational development.
"Preschool is the bridge that all children should take in their journey of education," Aboukhadijeh said. "The reward of preschool is confirmed each day when I open the door for my students."
Dana Mixon, a kindergarten teacher at Samuel Kennedy Elementary in Elk Grove, said that her students who have attended preschool are settled, attentive and eager learners.
"I see the benefits of preschool that are not only academic but related to social and behavioral as well," Mixon said.
Since September, SCOE has co-hosted a series of forums throughout Sacramento County and more forums are planned for 2006. Dates and additional information are available by calling (916) 228-3923 or by visiting the Preschool Sacramento County Web site. The Web site also offers a survey designed to gauge the preschool needs of families in Sacramento County.
Information about First 5 Sacramento is available by calling (916) 876-5865.
