Kindergarten Counts is a community wide campaign in Multnomah County bringing together early childhood and school partners to promote successful kindergarten transitions in SUN Community Schools for children and their families through:
- Early kindergarten registration to ensure families are connected to their school and receive the support and information they need.
- Summer opportunities to engage parents and promote social and emotional school readiness skills and summer learning for children.
- Good attendance in kindergarten through data informed early outreach, parent engagement, and attendance incentives.
Why Kindergarten Counts?
School-based kindergarten transition practices are associated with improved academic achievement for low income children and increased parent-initiated involvement, but those who can benefit the most from transition practices are least likely to receive them (Schulting et al., 2005).
28% of kindergarten students were chronically absent in 2010-11 across the six largest school districts in Multnomah County. Recent data for Oregon schools show that there is a clear and consistent relationship between early attendance and later achievement (Attendance Works et al., 2012).
The transition to kindergarten is a critical opportunity for schools and community to come together to support success in school for all children right from the start because Kindergarten Counts.
Overview of Kindergarten Counts
Overview of Kindergarten Counts (113.83 KB)
Watch these videos about our efforts:
- About Linkage (2009-2013 initiative to connect SUN Community Schools and early learning)
- Kindergarten Counts Early Kindergarten Transition Program
Staff Contact
Brooke Chilton-Timmons
503-988-2468
brooke.chilton-timmons@multco.us