Newport Launches Initiative to Boost Kindergarten Readiness Rates
Only 20% of children in Newport, Kentucky, begin kindergarten ready to learn, prompting local leaders to take action. The Newport City Commission has adopted a resolution for the “Read Ready Newport” initiative, designed to enhance educational resources and support for families throughout the community.
The program aims to unite city government, schools, libraries, and community leaders to improve access to learning opportunities. Joe Klare, a Newport resident and father of a 3-year-old, emphasized the significance of educational outcomes, stating, “Anywhere where we can get more educational outcomes for the children in our community—the better off our community will be in the long run.”
Understanding the Challenge of Kindergarten Readiness
According to Jenny Watson, Vice President for Early Learning and Family Power at EducateNKY, the current kindergarten readiness rate poses considerable challenges. While approximately 48% of children nationwide enter school prepared to learn, in Newport, that figure drops to around 20%. Watson remarked, “Only 20% of our kids are ready to learn, so that is just too difficult for teachers to be able to make up that much growth.”
The “Read Ready Newport” initiative includes several proactive strategies to engage children during their early development stages. One of the pivotal components is the partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This program aims to ensure that every baby born at St. Elizabeth hospital is enrolled immediately in the library, providing free books every month until they turn five.
Community Support and Future Goals
Following the success of a similar initiative in Covington, Newport leaders are optimistic about the potential impacts of “Read Ready Newport.” The program will also introduce an app granting children access to high-quality learning activities starting at age three. The initiative is funded by EducateNKY, eliminating any financial burden on Newport taxpayers.
Klare, whose son has developed a love for reading, appreciates the city’s commitment to early childhood education. He noted, “It really helps drive a lot of interest in reading and literacy, which we know is a huge part of educational success.”
Support for the initiative extends beyond parents. Former Newport Independent Schools board member and city commissioner Aaron Sutherland expressed his backing for the project. “Far too many of our children are entering kindergarten unprepared. Last year, less than 25% of Newport students were considered kindergarten-ready. Read Ready Newport is another tool we have to change that,” he stated. Sutherland also highlighted the importance of preparing families to support their children from birth.
As Newport prepares to present the initiative to the Newport Board of Education for adoption, parents like Klare see this program as a vital investment in the community’s future. “They’re the future; they’re what most of us care about as parents. I love having the initiative in Newport,” Klare concluded, highlighting the collective commitment to fostering a brighter future for the children of Newport.
