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ODE believes early positive relationships between school, students, and families shape a child's educational experience for many years to come. Jump Start Kindergarten, a school-based summer program, helps students and their families experience a smooth and successful transition from early childhood into kindergarten.
Jump Start is based on three equity-driven program components:
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Connection as the Foundation for Learning: Children flourish and learn best in the context of strong and supportive relationships.
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Co-Creation, Collaboration, and Partnership: Children succeed when families, schools and communities work together during the transitioning year.
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Purposeful Outreach and Engagement: Families thrive when they have access to culturally affirming and inclusive environments.
Jump Start Kindergarten is intended to be a part of a broader kindergarten transition plan at the school that includes a variety of transition supports that begin during the year prior to Kindergarten.
While Jump Start Kindergarten programs vary school to school based on the unique needs of the school community, all programs include the following components:
- A half-day classromm experience for two weeks, at a minimum. Students participate in hands-on activites, classroom routines, and build positive relationships with classmates and educators.
- Family engagement as a cornerstone of Jump Start. Parents and caregivers have multiple oppotunities to connect with school staff and other family members and to learn about school, district and community resources. This might be a school scavenger hunt, a playground meet and greet, or coffree with school staff.
- Partnerships with community-based organizations such as Head Start, culturally specific organizations, and health providers. These partnerships support startegic outreach with families who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID.