In 2008, our community recognized early childhood education as the single-most important challenge facing our present and future development. At that time, less than half of our community's children were ready for school when they entered kindergarten at age five. In response to the critical need to address this challenge the Ready for School initiative was launched. Ready for School is a broadly based Holland/Zeeland community initiative ensuring that every child from birth enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. The overarching principles of the initiative are:
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Our entrepreneurial model must engage all sectors of the community
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Our strategies must be data driven and employ evidence based practices
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We must apply sound business principles and achieve measurable results
Our army of volunteers is made up of 11 task forces/committees designed to expand outreach, develop a sustainable support base, and to communicate the importance of investing in every child. The task force work plans are aligned with one of three objectives:
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Engage and inform parents
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Enhance existing programming
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Expand early learning opportunities.