I'll be the first to admit I'm nervous as to how she'll do. She was born a couple of months early, and by the time she was two (thanks to early intervention) she had speech therapy and occupational therapy. She's doing well, and she's as sassy as ever - but I'm still nervous.
I learned, in Monroe County, nearly half of our kids arrive at kindergarten with at least one issue that puts them at risk for academic failure. That surprised me. It seems high, but it's correct.
So, as a parent, I started wondering - should I pull out the preschool flash cards to get my daughter moving? Should I stop letting her watch too many episodes of Wonder Pets? Is spending too much time with Barbie and Polly dangerous?
If you're reading this - and you're a teacher - please write in and share your thoughts... in the meantime, though, I wanted to share a little bit about a program in Rochester that makes me, as a parent, feel relief.
United Way is a big supporter of Strong Start - which is currently in two schools right now, and will begin at a third school next year. Essentially, kids who are screened for kindergarten, and considered at-risk for academic failure will get help from Strong Start teachers the following year.
By the time kids 'graduate' from the program, nine out of every ten test at or even above average. Color and shape recognitions are strong, social interaction is improved.It makes a huge difference. I visited the School #12 classroom - it's fantastic. I'm so glad to know programs like this are out there for kids and for their parents.
I decided, for now, since my daughter can correct me about what colors Barbie is wearing - and she can tell me the difference between a poisonous snake or a non-poisonous one because someone on Zoboomafoo told her so - I'm not going to overreact and go into study mode with her. I'll let it be... a program will be there to help us if we need it.
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