KITS has begun an educational revolution. We are transforming the face of early education for all kids from the most vulnerable to typically developing kids. Hundreds of children are learning durable skills for their immediate and future success in school and in life. The KITS Team is passionate about working together to attain the targets of this five-year plan and maximizing the impact on the children we serve. We will remain true to our mission and our philosophy and we will change the lives of kids forever.
KITS VISION Every kid is worth it! Every kid can shine!
KITS MISSION We are committed to creating a healthy future for kids by building on their strengths as they navigate the world of school and education. Through our holistic approach we: •
Champion each child by identifying their individual strengths and providing the essential tools for their social, emotional, and literacy development.
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Support parents with tools and skills to teach and advocate for their children at home, in school, and in the community.
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Coach educators with new ideas to support their students and families in the classroom and community.
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Lead communities in promoting best beginnings for every child, because every kid is worth it!
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KITS IMPACT KITS has seen consistent growth since its 2006 inception at Oregon Social Learning Center. The program began as an experimental study serving 20 kids in 2 classrooms. In 2018 we have served 27 schools in 13 school districts, reaching approximately 500 kids across Lane County, Oregon. Our dedication to hope, fairness, and equity for kids, families, and educators has changed the lives of the entire KITS community.
KITS PHILOSOPHY Create a caring environment filled with dedication to hope, fairness, and equity for kids, families, and educators. Focus on the strengths of these individuals. Encourage them while they are building strong positive skills. Collaborate for the social and emotional health and success of every person.
KITS CORE VALUES We serve our community with a heart to do the right thing by: •
Upholding hope, fairness, and equity
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Building healthy relationships, trust, and community
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Holding value and respect for diversity
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Meeting people where they are
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Serving with excellent stewardship
“All kids should be able to dream big and it’s our responsibility to give them the tools to make those dreams come true.” Dr. Katherine Pears
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KIDS Build Strong Kids We believe that all kids should have the opportunity to grow up in a positive, caring environment filled with hope, fairness, and equity. We build into each child strong social, emotional, and literacy skills so they can enter school having a solid sense of belonging, self-confidence, kindness, and stamina. In short, we believe they can until they believe they can.
Build Strong Families Lifting up and supporting each parent and caregiver, their kids, and families is an integral part of our mission. Our goal is to provide a framework and tools for building strong families. During this process, we wrap parents and caregivers in support on their journey to becoming the greatest champion for their kids!
FAMILIES
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CLASSROOMS Build Strong Classrooms Educators give of themselves daily for the growth and stability of our children and our future. We collaborate with our educators to problem solve student difficulties, to encourage a strengthbased approach to student skill building, and to support the educators throughout this process, thereby paving the way to educational and social success.
Build Strong Community Advocates Our strong beliefs that ALL kids matter, that every kid is worth it, and that every kid can shine is what drives us to call our communities to action. We bring together the kids, parents/caregivers, families, teachers, educators at all levels, and the community at large for the success of kids everywhere.
ADVOCATES
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Kids In Transition to School (KITS) has the opportunity to partner with kids, parents, educators, and communities as they write their success stories. To do so over the next five years, we will need to embrace our four pillars and keep our shoulders to the wheel.
Diversify and expand KITS programs •
KITS School Year will change the path for kids who are identified as at risk for experiencing social and academic difficulties in school.
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KITS Professional Development (KITS PD) will collaborate with preschool through at least third grade educators using our development program that focuses on the KITS model for behavior and classroom management.
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KITS Program for English Language Learners (KITS ELL) will be created for kids and their families starting with our Spanish-speaking community. KITS will modify the curricula for cultural relevance. Best practice would indicate this curriculum be taught in Spanish at this stage for Spanish-speaking families. We have already created plans for modifying and testing these curricula.
Increase KITS customer base statewide and nationwide •
Spread the good news that KITS has been proven and it works! Beginning with schools and organizations outside of Lane County, Oregon, KITS will pursue these entities across the state, followed by engaging those across the nation.
Diversify KITS funding •
KITS is changing its financial norms from a funding mix that no longer serves the mission well to the best mix of funds from the best mix of donors. Our goal is to establish a community of contributors who believe with us that “Every Kid is Worth It!”
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Development for scholarship campaigns is in the works. KITS is currently researching and having the conversation about WHAT and HOW.
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The KITS plan includes celebration. Fundraising events will provide opportunities for supporters to be together celebrating our accomplishments, introducing potential supporters, and raising funds for the kids who depend on us.
Build a network of KITS educators •
KITS is creating a vibrant community of educators. Our ambition is to foster an atmosphere of collaboration among this community. A place where educators can celebrate their successes and reach out with encouragement for others.
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© 2018 KITS-Kids in Transition to School Oregon Social Learning Center 10 Shelton McMurphey Blvd, Eugene, Oregon 97401
Email: KITS@oslc.org • Phone: (541) 485-2711 Ext.1321
KidsInTransitiontoSchool.org