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Children are born ready to learn; it’s on us to give them the right opportunities

Children begin learning the moment they’re born. That means it’s never too early to begin setting children up for future academic success. When we talk to them and read to them, we expose them to a more literature-rich environment that helps them grow.

Unfortunately, not all children receive that exposure, widening the achievement gap. Evidence of that gap begins to show up as early as kindergarten — and it affects students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds far more than their more privileged peers.

But what if every student started school ready?

A recent meta-analysis found that children who participate in early education are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to be placed in special education or retained to repeat grades. With more early education options, I believe millions of students would benefit academically, professionally, and personally for years to come.

At Marion County School District, we’re determined to find out what would happen if all our students began kindergarten ready. In an economically distressed community, it’s not easy, but with focused determination and strong partnerships, we’re well on our way.

Bringing kids to the classroom

As an educator and superintendent, I believe early education is vitally important. Children need to learn fundamental skills like literacy, numeracy, STEM concepts, and social/emotional understanding. In the classroom, our teachers can give children a jumpstart on their education thanks to the South Carolina Child Early Reading and Development Program (CERDEP). This full-day, early education program is aimed at helping four-year-olds develop the foundational skills required to enter kindergarten. Currently offered in most school districts in our state, the program is available to our eligible four-year-olds at no cost.