Source: https://www.ccsoh.us/
On the first day of school, over 2,200 pre-kindergarten students excitedly began their educational journey as teachers and staff welcomed them to their new classrooms. This year, the CCS Early Childhood Education Program marks a milestone with expanded pre-K sites, fulfilling promises made by a levy. The program aims to provide a strong foundation in early literacy and mathematics and ensure smooth transitions to kindergarten. Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman emphasized that this expansion is a crucial investment in both the students’ future and the community.
The addition of six new classrooms in the CCS District has increased capacity for general, inclusion, and special needs education by 100 students, providing more families with access to high-quality, tuition-free early childhood education. Dr. Terra Baker, Director of Early Childhood Education, highlighted the expansion’s impact, noting that students from the program often outperform their peers in kindergarten readiness assessments. The District, supported by Dr. Chapman and other stakeholders, has achieved a five-star rating at all pre-K sites through the Step Up to Quality program, demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence.
This year, several pre-K sites have expanded, and now include:
- Forest Park Elementary School
- Valley Forge Elementary School
- Fairmoor Elementary School
- Ohio Avenue Elementary School
- South Mifflin Elementary School
- North Linden Elementary School – currently accepting pre-K students, marking a new chapter for the school and its community.
The new pre-K classrooms were strategically placed in high-demand neighborhoods to address the need for early childhood education. Dr. Chapman highlighted that this expansion underscores the District’s commitment to equity and excellence. With 130 classrooms across 65 sites, CCS is excited about the positive impact on students and families. The expansion aims to provide a strong foundation for children, preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond.
Image Source: https://www.ccsoh.us/