Vision
All children in Kenosha County enter kindergarten ready to learn on the first day of school.
Bright Spot: Shaping Strong Starts
Collaborative Action Network
Smart Beginnings brings together local early childcare and education organizations, programs, and agency representatives who meet monthly to advance the network's vision. Through data sharing, policy advocacy, parent engagement, and community action planning, Smart Beginnings promotes optimal child development and ensures quality, affordable early care and education—the cornerstone of a thriving community.
The Need
Every child deserves a strong start in life, no matter their zip code, race, income, or circumstance. The early years - from birth to age 5 - are critical for a child's development, shaping both their future and the future of our community.
To ensure optimal child development, access to quality, affordable early care and education is vital to our community. It allows parents parents to work, supports employers in building a strong workforce, and ensures children to develop to their fullest potential. Yet, for far too long, families in Kenosha County and statewide have struggled to access affordable, quality care.
The data shows:
The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges for families, the child care sector, and the workforce. Our community is at its best when we recognize that children, particularly our youngest, are our greatest resource. To build a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous Kenosha County, we must invest in our children now.
To ensure optimal child development, access to quality, affordable early care and education is vital to our community. It allows parents parents to work, supports employers in building a strong workforce, and ensures children to develop to their fullest potential. Yet, for far too long, families in Kenosha County and statewide have struggled to access affordable, quality care.
The data shows:
- Kenosha County is home to over 7,300 children under 6 with all available parents in the workforce but only roughly 5,400 licensed child care slots.
- The average Kenosha County family has to pay 19% of their annual income to afford care for one infant, compared to the national recommendation of 7%.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges for families, the child care sector, and the workforce. Our community is at its best when we recognize that children, particularly our youngest, are our greatest resource. To build a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous Kenosha County, we must invest in our children now.
Making sure children have the opportunity to reach their potential starts long before they get to school. The experiences they have in their first five years set the stage for their future success. Screenings are an easy way for parents to check if their child's development is on track."
- Chris Weyker, Chief Executive Officer, KAC
Kindergarten Readiness in Kenosha County
Marketing Materials for Smart Beginnings
Using the shared kindergarten readiness measures developed in 2019-2020, Smart Beginnings members have come together around shared messaging and language to support parent and caregiver understanding of kindergarten and school readiness. Using this language, Network members developed marketing materials, including English and Spanish brochures and videos, for community partners to use to increase knowledge of child development and the importance of supporting the whole child, which you can see below.
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Let's Get Your Child Ready for Kindergarten!
You might be surprised to learn that being ready for kindergarten doesn't mean teaching your child math and reading. Rather, your child is ready for kindergarten when they have developed a love of learning and are curious to learn new things. Helping your child prepare for kindergarten will help them have a more positive and successful experience in school. In this video, explore how you can help your child succeed in kindergarten - and beyond! ¡Preparemos a Su Hijo(a) para el Jardín de Niños!
Quizás le sorprenda saber que estar preparado(a) para el jardín de niños no significa enseñar a su hijo(a) matemáticas y lectura. Más bien, su hijo(a) estará listo(a) para el jardín de niños cuando haya desarrollado un amor por el aprendizaje y muestre curiosidad por aprender cosas nuevas. Ayudar a su niño(a) a prepararse para el jardín de niños le ayudará a tener una experiencia más positiva y exitosa en la escuela. |
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A Snapshot of the Smart Beginnings Partners
We're grateful to work alongside these incredible organizations to support early childhood education and in Kenosha County:
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4C for Children
Advocate Aurora Health Alliance Family Services CESA2 Children's Wisconsin DCF Extension Kenosha County KAC Kenosha County |
Kenosha Public Library
Kenosha Unified School District Kenosha YMCA Pillar Health - Kenosha Community Health Center Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency Safe Families for Children United Way of Kenosha County Wisconsin Early Childhood Association Young Star Co |
Early Childcare Educator Provider Meetings
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Facilitated by the Smart Beginnings Network
Join us for virtual meetings designed to connect professionals in the early childhood education field across Kenosha County. These meetings offer valuable resources and foster collaboration to help advance early childhood education in our community. Meeting Details:
Interested in attending? Reach out to Maggie Campbell, Director of Strategic Initiatives, to join our next meeting! Contact Maggie: Email: [email protected] |
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