In a groundbreaking move to bolster early childhood education, the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) has unveiled a transformative partnership that promises to redefine the pre-kindergarten landscape for families across the region. Dubbed “Neighborhood PreK,” this innovative collaboration between FWISD, Child Care Associates, and the Blue Ribbon Action Committee on Child Care aims to seamlessly integrate district pre-K programs with community-based child care providers, offering a comprehensive solution that addresses the diverse needs of working families.
Expanding Access and Flexibility
At the heart of this initiative lies a shared vision to ensure that every child in Fort Worth, regardless of their background, has access to high-quality early education. By integrating school-based and community-based care, the Neighborhood PreK program seeks to provide families with more choices, enhanced support, and a clear pathway to lifelong success for their children.
“This partnership represents a new era in early childhood education in Fort Worth,” said Amity Halstead, the executive director of Neighborhood PreK. “By bringing together school-based and community-based care, we’re able to provide families with more choices, well-supported, enhanced programs and a pathway to lifelong success for their children.”
One of the key features of the Neighborhood PreK model is its focus on meeting the needs of working families. The program plans to extend learning hours beyond traditional school schedules, allowing for co-enrollment of students in both district pre-K and community child care programs. This flexibility aims to address the challenges faced by many parents who struggle to balance work and their children’s educational needs.
Integrating Community Partnerships
The partnership with Child Care Associates, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and stabilizing child care across Tarrant County, plays a crucial role in the Neighborhood PreK initiative. By leveraging the expertise and resources of this community-based partner, the program seeks to enhance the economic model of child care providers, ensuring the long-term sustainability and quality of these vital services.
“This partnership addresses the existing unmet need in school-based pre-kindergarten programs by integrating community-based child care options, providing more flexibility for families and better supporting their diverse needs,” said Karen Molinar, the interim superintendent of FWISD.
The collaboration also taps into the collective wisdom and resources of the Blue Ribbon Action Committee on Child Care, formed by former Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, and Arlington Mayor Jim Ross. This committee’s involvement underscores the regional commitment to strengthening early childhood education and supporting working families.
Ensuring Developmental Milestones
Neighborhood PreK is designed to not only expand access but also enhance the quality of early childhood education. The program will adopt research-based curriculum standards aligned with Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate education.
“Our goal is to ensure that every child in Fort Worth is prepared for success in kindergarten and beyond,” Molinar emphasized. “This partnership addresses the existing unmet need in school-based pre-kindergarten programs by integrating community-based child care options, providing more flexibility for families and better supporting their diverse needs.”
To achieve this goal, the program will employ a multi-faceted approach. Instructional coaches will guide teachers in using the curriculum, monitoring progress, and providing assessments to ensure that each child meets key developmental milestones. Students will be assessed at least three times a year using tools like the Circle Progress Monitoring System and the Classroom Assessment Scoring System, which help educators track growth and tailor instruction to individual needs.
Notably, the partnership has set a bold target – that all children enrolled in Neighborhood PreK will be reading at grade level by the time they reach third grade. This critical milestone is widely recognized as a pivotal indicator of long-term academic success.
Addressing Gaps and Enhancing Outcomes
The Neighborhood PreK model aims to address existing gaps in the current education system. By integrating community-based child care with public education, the partnership seeks to stabilize the economic model of child care providers, ensuring the sustainability and quality of these vital services.
Furthermore, the program plans to support the professional development of early childhood educators through mentorship and coaching, elevating the expertise and effectiveness of the teaching staff. This investment in educator development is crucial in delivering high-quality instruction and fostering positive outcomes for young learners.
Recognizing the diverse needs of Fort Worth’s families, Neighborhood PreK will also offer bilingual education services and work closely with FWISD to identify and support students with special needs. This comprehensive approach to early childhood education underscores the district’s commitment to equity and inclusivity.
“This partnership represents a new era in early childhood education in Fort Worth,” Halstead said. “By bringing together school-based and community-based care, we’re able to provide families with more choices, well-supported, enhanced programs and a pathway to lifelong success for their children.”
Navigating Potential Challenges
While the Neighborhood PreK partnership has garnered widespread support, it has also faced some criticism from community members during the FWISD board meeting. Concerns were raised about the role and responsibility the district is passing on to Child Care Associates, as well as the use of taxpayer dollars to fund a public-private partnership.
One resident, Hollie Plemons, expressed her concerns, stating, “This is a school, this is not a child care provider. That’s day care. This is not the taxpayers’ responsibility. Your responsibility under the Texas Constitution is to provide an education for first through twelfth.”
Plemons also cited a 2022 University of Vanderbilt study that found that “the children randomly assigned to attend pre-kindergarten had lower state achievement test scores in third through sixth grades.” However, it’s important to note that current research across multiple studies has shown varying patterns in the fade-out and long-term impacts of pre-kindergarten programs, with the overall effectiveness of state-funded initiatives generally seen as positive.
FWISD officials have acknowledged that the partnership requires further specification in certain areas, such as bilingual resources and special education services. They have expressed a commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring that the Neighborhood PreK program delivers on its promises of quality, flexibility, and equity.
A Collaborative Vision for the Future
The launch of the Neighborhood PreK partnership represents a significant step forward in Fort Worth’s early childhood education landscape. By leveraging the expertise of community partners, integrating school-based and community-based care, and focusing on the diverse needs of working families, FWISD aims to create a model that can serve as a blueprint for other districts across the state and nation.
“This partnership addresses the existing unmet need in school-based pre-kindergarten programs by integrating community-based child care options, providing more flexibility for families and better supporting their diverse needs,” Molinar said.
As the Neighborhood PreK program continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor its progress, address any challenges that arise, and ensure that the promised benefits are realized for the families and children of Fort Worth. With a collaborative spirit and a shared vision for educational equity and excellence, this partnership has the potential to transform the early childhood landscape and set a new standard for inclusive, family-centered pre-kindergarten programs.
