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Education committee advances Coatesville ‘Kindergarten Jump Start’ funded by Education Foundation
Summary
The Finance committee recommended moving a community‑funded Kindergarten Jump Start program to the full board for approval; the program will run in July and August, support up to 40 incoming kindergartners and is funded by the Coatesville Education Foundation with up to $50,000 per year pledged for three years.
The district’s Finance Committee recommended forwarding to the full board a proposal for a community‑funded Kindergarten Jump Start program that will run in July and August to help incoming kindergarten students prepare for school. The program is supported by the Coatesville Education Foundation and includes classroom staffing, transportation and an option for extended childcare.
What the program would provide Committee materials list the following positions to staff the program: four kindergarten teachers, two aides, one reading specialist, one contracted speech and language therapist and one contracted occupational therapist. The program will be held in July and August and is intended to help incoming kindergarten students with early academic readiness.
Funding and enrollment The Education Foundation has allocated up to $50,000 per year for the program for the next three years, according to committee discussion. The district reported current participation of roughly 25 students and capacity planning for up to 40 students in the program. The program will offer transportation to and from the program and the district said it is exploring an extended childcare option for families who need midday coverage.
Community partners Committee members praised the work of the Coatesville Education Foundation and singled out Regina Lewis and the foundation’s board for fundraising support. Committee members said the program’s initial $50,000 was raised quickly.
Outcome and next steps The committee recommended the Kindergarten Jump Start staffing and program plan to the full board. Staff will coordinate final operational details — including student selection, transportation and any extended childcare arrangements — and report back when the program is implemented.
