Madison educators describe growth of Madison Community Pre‑K Consortium, show results of volunteer professional development

At a meeting of the Curriculum and Student Development Committee of the Madison Board of Education, district staff and local teachers described the Madison Community Pre‑K Consortium, a two‑year, volunteer collaboration between Madison Public Schools and local early‑childhood centers to align practice, expand professional development and support transitions into kindergarten.

Assistant Superintendent Kayo Dollingatch told committee members that Drew Soletti, a first‑grade teacher, has “been organizing and championing this work for 2 years now, as a volunteer project.” The presenters said the consortium has brought together public and private preschool directors and teachers to share standards, plan workshops and offer a Saturday professional‑development event called “Saturday Spark.”

The group’s founders and participants said the consortium formed because of research showing early childhood education affects later student success, and because many local early‑childhood providers work in relative isolation. Participants reported that about nine to 10 Madison area early‑childhood centers have engaged with the group, representing…