INVESTMENTS IN KINDERGARTEN READINESS: $1 Million in Federal Funding

After meeting with families participating in the final cohort of the Museum’s pilot Kindergarten Readiness Experience (KRE), a research-based program that partners with families to help young children develop social-emotional skills needed to navigate the transition to kindergarten, Senator Casey announced a $1 million investment to advance strategic priorities for the program from 2022-2024.

The Kindergarten Readiness Experience addresses several crucial issues facing families with young children in Philadelphia, including the lack of socialization opportunities before entering formal learning environments and access to high-quality early childhood learning programs. Foundational to the program’s development was recognizing the adult caregivers — parents, grandparents, foster parents, or other parental figures — as their child’s first teacher and celebrating them for the critical role they play in their child’s future.

The initial research and pilot program for KRE in 2019-2021 was made possible through support of Vanguard’s Strong Start for Kids Program. The $1 million in federal funding through a U.S. Department of Education grant will support the Museum’s Phase 2 expansion, which includes external research and evaluation. The funding also supports deepening and expanding PTM’s partnerships with Philadelphia schools and teachers.

This transformational federal funding will allow the Museum to continue its work as the third place for learning, where families can gather to grow and learn together.

EARLY PILOT RESULTS

5578% INCREASE IN SCHOOLREADINESS SKILLS

88% PARTICIPANTS REPORTED CREATING A READING NOOK AT HOME

94% CAREGIVERS READ ALOUD TO CHILDREN A FEW TIMES PER WEEK