Early Childhood Education
Kindergarten Corner
Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) Advisory Committee
The Illinois State Board of Education is establishing a Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) Advisory Committee comprised of early childhood experts who will guide the state department of education as it moves forward with recommendations for developing a comprehensive kindergarten readiness assessment process.
The advisory will be comprised of ISBE administrators, early childhood and early elementary teachers and administrators, assessment and data experts and other stakeholders. This committee will be charged with guiding ISBE as it considers assessment tools and potential improvements to existing testing instruments; providing background, research and advice on communications planning, professional development training, and financial resource needs; and offering expertise on how to best build a high quality data system that would support and improve children’s learning.
Committee members have been identified and will be confirmed within this month and a meeting schedule will be posted on the Assessment Committee page on the ISBE website. We look forward to beginning the next step of this important work.
- Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Stakeholder Committee Report to ISBE:
A New Beginning: The Illinois Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS)
Illinois Early Learning Standards for Kindergarten
The Illinois Early Learning Standards for Kindergarten are available in hard copy by attending a training offered through the Illinois Resource Center. You will find up-to-date information concerning trainings at http://thecenterweb.org/ then go to Early Childhood. Kindergarten teachers are strongly encouraged to attend a training. The training involves learning the history of the standards, why we have standards, exploration of how the standards should be used, and on sharing the standards document with others such as families and community partners. You may download a copy of the standards, benchmark cards, and participating districts at the following links.
- Illinois Early Learning Standards for Kindergarten
- Kindergarten Benchmarks – Cards for Ring
- Participating Schools Districts and Programs
Kindergarten Data
Illinois School Report Card 2009-2010 School Year |
|
| K-Schedule | Schools |
| All day |
1651
|
| Half day |
332
|
| All day and Half day |
338
|
| Total |
2321
|
| K-Enrollment | Numbers |
| All day enrollment |
107,604
|
| Half day enrollment |
40,392
|
| Total Kindergarten Enrollment |
147,996
|
Prekindergarten to Kindergarten Transition Resources
The transition to kindergarten from prekindergarten is an exciting time for 5 year olds. Educators today are developing transition activities to help children and families as they take this important step. Kindergarten teachers and prekindergarten teachers are both a critical part of a successful transition. Both teachers work with parents and children to assure questions are answered, children are registered, and the transition flows smoothly.
- Sample flyer from a Kindergarten Readiness Fair sponsored by the Rock Island Regional Office of Education and partners.
- Sample Transition Plan
- Getting Ready for Kindergarten Tip Sheet
Is kindergarten right around the corner? Here are some things to think about as the school year approaches.
What immunizations will my child need? What will the teacher expect my child to be able to do?
What group skills does my child need? What kinds of knowledge and experience help prepare my child?
What will my local school expect of my child? What if my child needs special help to be ready for kindergarten?
To see answers to these questions go to Getting Ready for Kindergarten - Countdown to Kindergarten
Countdown to Kindergarten engages families, educators and the community in a citywide effort to enhance early learning opportunities and to support the transition into kindergarten. For the complete manuscript go to Countdown to Kindergarten.
Kindergarten Chatter
Network with your colleagues on the new Kindergarten Chatter discussion board. Discuss current issues and practices concerning Kindergarten. Kindergarten Standards Field test participants are already registered to participate. Others may register by going to the Kindergarten Chatter site.
Kindergarten Experts
- Kathy Barclay—Literacy
- Sallee Beneke—Calendar Time
- Lilian Gonshaw Katz—Learning Goals
- Gaye Gronlund – Rigorous Academics
- Judy Harris Helm—Implementing Learning Standards
- Samuel J. Meisels – Accountability
- Mirian Trehearne—Phonological Awareness
Resources
- A New Beginning: The Illinois Kindergarten Individual Development Survey
- Full-Day or Half-Day Kindergarten?
- Frequently Asked Questions about Kindergarten
- Listing of Full Day Kindergarten Programs
NAEYC Articles
- Across the Nation - State Kindergarten Policies
- Kindergarten for Young Children with Disabilities
- Top Ten Signs of a Good Kindergarten Classroom
- Why We Care About the K in K-12
