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“Whether or not children succeed in school is in part related to events
and experiences that occur prior to their entering kindergarten.”
(Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten, National Center for Education Statistics, 2000)
Specifically, ELI's aim is to prepare preschool aged children, 3-5 years old, from low-income families to enter kindergarten with the necessary early language, cognitive, and pre-reading skills needed to prevent reading difficulties and ensure continued school success.
Just Like Us, in conjunction with the Early Learning Initiative, is designed to help preschool centers to become model centers of “Educational Excellence” by enhancing the current program with supportive services in the areas of classroom monitoring, coaching, family resources & community support, professional development, student assessments and teacher resources.
Classroom Monitoring: Research has shown that children's literary development begins in the preschool years, initiated at home and nourished in the classroom. JLU uses the The Early Language & Literacy Classroom Observation tool to identify any weaknesses and provides approaches to remedy any shortcomings. Our aim is that classrooms provide children with optimal support for their development.
Coaching: Teachers receive monthly on-site coaching and mentoring on curriculum implementation strategies.
Family Resources & Community Support: JLU recognizes the unique needs and concerns of the families we serve. Assistance with employment, housing, food, clothing and educational training are among the tangible needs that we help families meet through our Family Piece Ink and Family Resource Network programs.
Professional Development: Effective teachers are the important asset of a quality early childhood program. To ensure that teachers obtain the necessary training needed to educate young children, JLU provides preschool staff with an array of Ohio Department of Education-approved training courses per year.
Student assessments: Teaching and assessing go hand-in-hand. The latter enables teachers and parents to understand how a child is progressing with respect to knowledge and skills mastery. JLU uses several industry-tested tools from the Creative Curriculum for Preschool Developmental Continuum Toolkit, LAP-D and the "Get It, Got It, Go!".
Teacher Resources: JLU encourages non-degreed teachers to enroll in Early Childhood Education programs and assists them in applying for the T.E.A.C.H. OHIO scholarships.
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