Countless studies have shown that
kids who attend public preschool
programs are better prepared for
kindergarten than those who do not. In
other words, early learning programs
put children on the road to education
success. This is exactly what Manatee
District of Manatee County is a team
of early learning specialists, experts in
curriculum and instruction, compliance
author i t ies, fami ly engagement
professionals, and educators who love
working with our youngest learners, their
teachers, and their families,” explains
Robin Thompson, Ph.D., Director of
Manatee County.
to ensure early learners enrolled in
the school district prekindergar ten
programs are kindergarten ready - both
academically and socially - by the time
they enter kindergarten. “We provide
curriculum and professional development
support to our teachers to ensure our
children become proficient with The
Florida Early Learning and Developmental
Standards,” she says. The team also
partners with families to support their
“We feel a responsibility for all early
learners in Manatee County, as they
will eventually become our children
when they enroll in kindergar ten—
even if they do not attend one of our
prekindergarten programs,” Thompson
emphasizes. “That is why the Early
important in our community initiatives.”
A collaborative partnership, the Early
early learning community works together
to provide all children - regardless of
their zip code -an equal opportunity
at success. This task force includes
the School District of Manatee County
included representatives from United Way
Suncoast, the South Florida Museum,
the Patterson Foundation, and other
community agencies associated with
early learning,” Thompson adds.
team members, is genuinely passionate
about her role with the group. “As SDMC
VPK Program Manager, I am a source
of information and support for our
community,” she explains. “I love working
with families, giving them important
information about enrollment, answering
questions regarding expectations,
assuring them on safety, explaining
what a typical day will be like for their
child - and most importantly, making them
feel welcomed as they enter the Manatee
County school system.”
COLLABORATION IN EDUCATION
Team enjoys a strong partnership with
unique and important role in advancing
early childhood and school readiness
in Manatee County with demonstrated
success in engaging parents, improving
quality of pre-K education, and using
our data to developmentally appropriate
teaching and learning,” she points out.
“Our efforts additionally align with the
goals of the Suncoast Campaign for
on increasing attendance, preventing
summer slide, and providing the tools to
our children and families that will increase
the likelihood of kindergarten readiness.”
STEAM machine bus and have Manatee
Technical College renovate it. “The
in our community, by providing interactive
and engaging lessons that address
science, technology, engineering, arts,
and mathematics standards in a fun and
inviting way,” she explains.
launched an initiative focusing on Social
Emotional Development, using the
internationally recognized program
Conscious Discipline as the foundation.
“Our team has promoted the initiative
with teachers and in classrooms by
designing and implementing professional
development, coaching in classrooms,
and incorporating the program into the
new curriculum,” Thompson says. “We
this wonderful program is available to all
who work closely with young children.”
Global Cardboard Challenge at the South
Florida Museum this year. “It was a fun
day for families and providers to learn and
play together,” says Thompson. The event
showcased Dr. Drew, an expert on play,
who facilitated an enlightening session for
teachers. The participating children and
their families built creative stories and
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