Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, May 29, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Renewal Statewide Provider Agreement with Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County for Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program - 2006/2007 (Elementary Education)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Florida legislature mandated the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program in HB-1-A, (Chapter 2004-484, Laws of Florida.) A Statewide Provider Agreement with Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County has been prepared that establishes the specific program requirements, enrollment, accountability, and financial processes for prekindergarten programs in Hillsborough County Public Schools. The ending date of this Agreement is August 31, 2007; a renewal Agreement will be developed for the 2007/2008 school year.

The list of district elementary schools identified geographically throughout the district to provide the VPK program is attached. Sites will be opened based on enrollment.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County is the fiscal agent for the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program funds. Full-time Equivalent funds per child will be accessed through advance payments each month with reconciliation at the conclusion of the Agreement. All district audit requirements will be met.

EVALUATION

April 2008. The state will release the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates for all private and school district providers. Each program will be evaluated on student scores on the Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS). The state will look at the percentage of students that scored “ready for kindergarten” on a subset of the Early Childhood Observation System (ECHOS) and two measures of Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) (Letter Naming Fluency and Initial Sound Fluency). FLKRS is administered every year to all children entering kindergarten.

SUBMITTED BY: Lisa Bellock, Supervisor, Kindergarten

Barbara B. Hancock
General Director, Elementary Education
(813) 272-4455
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20070529_244 * Section E Item# 1.13