SPARK IS...
PARENTS
- supporting their children’s learning at home
- linking with opportunities for early screening and affordable health care
- gaining access to affordable, quality early childhood care and education
Each SPARK MS student receives two years of high quality early education and care in a Head Start Center, child care center, public Pre-K program, or family day care home. Parents of SPARK MS students complete skill-building workshops designed to equip them for the role as first teachers.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS
- incorporating research-based curricula, instructional strategies, and materials
- equipping parents to share in the teaching role
- providing individualized instruction and support to each child
Participating child care centers, Head Start centers, family day care homes, and public Pre-K programs receive professional development, learning advocates, and resources to improve instruction and connect learning in home and school.
SCHOOLS
- preparing early elementary teachers to meet the academic needs of all children
- assisting parents and children with the transition to school
- creating developmentally sound classroom environments
SPARK MS provides participating school districts with resources to assess and improve early elementary classroom environments. Teachers also participate in professional development to support early literacy, individualized instruction, and usage of MS Department of Education instructional benchmarks and objectives.
COMMUNITIES
- developing local plans to support ready kids and ready schools
- providing resources for local children, caretakers, and schools
- supporting developmentally sound educational policies
In all SPARK MS districts, Local Children's Partnerships - businesses, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, and government agencies - coordinate activities and leverage additional resources to support ready kids and ready schools.
