Welcome to Sure Start Program Guide Training

List three things you think about when someone says, Sure Start.

History of Sure Start in DoDEA

1980s, Ms. Millicent Woods, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, conceived the idea of Sure Start 1992 A pilot Sure Start program was implemented at Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, England 19921993 26 Sure Start programs established in Europe and the Pacific 19971998 14 additional sites 2000 65 Sure Start programs 2009 60 Sure Start programs 2013 60 Sure Start programs

Philosophy
The Sure Start preschool program is based on the premise that children's potential for learning is influenced by their early experiences: cultural physical social emotional linguistic creative cognitive

Philosophy
It incorporates the tenets of child growth and development and family systems theory that stem from the works of :

BELIEFS
All Children
Learn best when provided with a safe And nurturing environment at home and at school.
Benefit from early experiences that are supportive of their ages and developmental capabilities, individual needs, and cultures.

Need to be exposed to rich experiences in language and literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, technology, and physical education.

Have different learning styles that need to be accommodated.

BELIEFS
Learning
Is interrelated. Occurs through play and when adults understand how to build upon childrens natural desire to learn about the world around them.

Involves different learning styles that need to be accommodated.

BELIEFS
Families

Must have knowledge of

and access to community resources and social services that address their needs.

Involvement in

childrens educational experiences is crucial to childrens success.

BELIEFS
Instruction

Links content standards, curriculum, instruction, and assessment to those of the later grades. Respects cultures

Enrollment Eligibility
Children qualify for Sure Start based on family dynamics which may put the child "at risk":
based on rank of sponsor (E-1-E-4 or civilian rank equivalent, first priority) single parent household parent(s) are not a high school graduate parent a teenager when first child was born one or both parents speak a language other than English as their primary language; low birth weight; parent is on remote assignment (TDY) three months or more; four or more children close in age, living in the home; child has older sibling with a severe disability. Dual military

Sure Start Standards

Sure Start is governed by three sets of standards :
Sure Start Program Standards DoDEA ECE Space and Safety Standards DoDEA Content Standards for Pre-K.

Sure Start Program

Four-tiered service delivery system Education
Thoughtful and intentional planning that ensures the program environment, curriculum, materials, routines, and activities are appropriate to the childrens ages, individuals needs and cultures.

Health and Nutrition

Medical, dental, and developmental screenings for all enrolled children Nutritious lunches and snacks

Social Services
Assistance to families in their own efforts to improve quality of life

Parent Involvement
Active involvement by families

What does a SS class look like?

18 students 1 teacher 1 program assistant Full day program (6 hours) Family Style dining Parent involvement 2 Nutritious snacks Creative Curriculum 10 learning centers Active, engaged, learning Intentional teaching

Teaching Strategies for Preschool

Integrated long term studies and applied approach to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics This purposeful infusion of STEM across the disciplines lead students to the acquisition of some 21st century skills.

Excellence in All Areas of Practice

Creating a Caring Community of learners.

Establishing Reciprocal Relationships with Families.

Teaching to Enhance Development and Learning.

Intentionality
Assessing Childrens Development and Learning.

Planning Curriculum to Achieve Important Goals.