1. 1 Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Program Overview and Update May 2008

2. 2 Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Overview of Presentation UPK Background and Pilot Goals Summary of FY07 and FY08 Grants FY08 UPK Highlights FY09 Expansion Priorities

3. 3 UPK Background FY07 budget provided $4.6 million in funding for pilot implementation grants for Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) FY08 budget provided increase of $2.5 million for UPK (Total=$7,138,739) UPK Pilot Approach Build on strengths of existing mixed system Address quality first

4. 4 UPK Pilot Goals Define measurable quality characteristics that lead to school readiness Enhance quality of services for children in UPK classrooms and especially for children at-risk of school failure Ensure programs are effectively measuring and supporting children’s progress across all developmental domains Support programs in reaching UPK quality standard in future years

5. 5 UPK Pilot Components Classroom Quality Grants Grants to programs with preschool classrooms/settings that meet all UPK quality criteria Assessment Planning Grants Grants to programs to implement developmentally appropriate assessment to position them for participation in UPK in future

6. 6 UPK Grant Eligibility Criteria *The four EEC-selected assessment tools include: Work Sampling, High Scope Child Observation Record (COR), Creative Curriculum Developmental Continuum, and Ages and Stages. Assessment planning grantees have to meet all quality criteria, except for the use of an EEC approved assessment tool for at least one year. **NEASC included in FY08 accreditation options. CriteriaFY07FY08 EEC Licensed or License-Exempt Use one of four EEC-selected assessment tools for at least one year* Use Early Childhood Program Standards For Three and Four Year Olds and Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences Have teacher/provider with BA in each UPK classroom/setting Or Used as selection priority Have National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation or National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) accreditation or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for family child care ** Serve or willing to serve subsidized children Provide access to full-day full-year services directly

7. 7 UPK Classroom Quality Grants At a Glance FY07 250 eligible applications with 540 classrooms $12.8 million to fully fund 131 selected UPK sites with 187 classrooms/homes $4.3 million annualized in grant awards Grants renewed in FY08 subject to ongoing eligibility FY08 (in addition to renewal grants) 190 eligible applications with 570 classrooms $13.6 million to fully fund 105 selected UPK sites with 132 classrooms/homes $2.5 million annualized in grant awards

8. 8 UPK Classroom Quality Grants How Quality Grants Are Spent Staff compensation increases Professional development New educational materials Enrichment activities Accreditation support Implementation of assessment system including materials, trainings, and IT Additional services to meet children’s physical, social, and emotional needs Provide access to full-day full-year services

9. 9 UPK Assessment Planning Grants At a Glance FY07 400 eligible programs $2.5 million to fully fund 60 selected agencies with 162 programs $1.38 million in grant awards FY08 496 eligible programs $3.1 million to fully fund 67 selected agencies with 288 programs $1.1 million in grant awards

10. 10 UPK Assessment Planning Grants How Planning Grants Are Spent Funds used to implement one of the four EEC- approved assessment tools Grants spent to help implement assessment system: Training for administrators and staff Most trainings organized at program level IT equipment Materials and supplies On-line assessment system Other professional development activities related to conducting observations and assessments

11. 11 FY08 UPK Highlights Convened UPK Working Group to discuss program priorities and policy development Assessment infrastructure development New grants Training and technical assistance Materials Overseeing UPK evaluation Continuing strategic planning for phase-in of UPK

12. 12 FY09 Expansion Priorities Expand quality grants Reach additional classrooms for “full program” awards (note: ~$4.5M unfunded pre-k classrooms at current UPK sites) Expand to more programs (note: ~11M in unfunded applications in FY08) Expand assessment and other planning supports to set solid foundation for future quality Define and pilot community-wide initiative(s) consistent with state-wide goals and priorities