Connecting Communities, a Beyond The Blog podcast created by The Patterson Foundation and the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, brings you insights and inspiration on early childhood literacy across the Suncoast region. Explore how communities come together to support children and families through five pillars: School Readiness, Attendance, Summer Learning, Family Engagement, and Health Determinants.
What does it really mean to be school-ready?
In this episode, host Leah Verier-Dunn is joined by Alison Nichols, Director of Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning for the School District of Manatee County, and Jennifer Harrison, K–2 Curriculum Specialist for the School District of Manatee County. Together, they unpack what school readiness truly looks like, explore the challenges children may face without it, and offer practical tips and valuable resources for parents, caregivers, and educators to help every child start school with confidence.
Timestamps
00:31 – Intro
01:44 – Alison and Jennifer break down what it means for a child to be “school ready.”
05:56 – Alison and Jennifer reveal the challenges a child might face if they are not school ready.
07:20 – Leah, Alison, and Jennifer discuss the importance of families participating in their local “Kindergarten Round-up” and how to take those practices home.
10:42 – Jennifer and Alison share the success of collaborating with The Patterson Foundation to provide Kindergarten Readiness Bags to all children in Manatee County.
13:42 – Alison and Jennifer talk about the other “Helpers” in our community and how families can find them.
17:16 – Big Picture Small Steps
17:39 – Alison & Jennifer share their long-term aspirations for School Readiness in our community.
20:14 – Jennifer and Alison offer numerous actionable tips to help ensure your child is school ready.
24:44 – Connecting with Kids
Links to Learn More
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