PreK and Head Start Literacy

CORE PreK literacy creates a sound beginning for your early learners in your school districts and Head Start programs

Sound Beginnings Workshop

Levels: PreK
Length: 3 days
Audience: Preschool educators and administrators, preschool education staff, and paraprofessionals

Description

The Sound Beginnings Workshop provides instruction for early childhood educators on critical early literacy topics. The workshop is intended to help educators understand current research and best practices, particularly the research and practices identified and articulated in the Report of the National Early Literacy Panel (NELP, 2008). The goal is for teachers to increase their skills and focus on the instruction that will make a significant difference in young children’s progress toward literacy. Topics include code-focused and explicit instruction, alphabet knowledge, phonological awareness, phonics, print awareness, handwriting, oral language, and shared reading, in addition to the more general topics of assessment, planning, and working with parentsThe workshop emphasizes active learning, and participants watch, learn, and practice techniques to ensure students are highly engaged, motivated, and able to demonstrate understanding of tasks. Video models of expert teachers demonstrate each method taught.

• Day 1 covers the early literacy topics of code-focused instruction, linguistics for code-focused instruction, phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, and phonics. Each topic includes research, instructional strategies, and participant practice of strategies. A number of video clips are used throughout the day.
• Day 2 covers the early literacy topics of print awareness, handwriting, oral language, shared reading, and vocabulary. Each topic includes research, instructional strategies, and participant practice of strategies. A number of video clips are used throughout the day.
• Day 3 includes a planning process and two models of lesson design. In addition, this session includes family support ideas, assessment and information about preschool Response to Instruction.
  

Participant Outcomes

• Understand the critical components of early literacy instruction.
• Leave with lesson models.
• Understand an assessment resource.
• Learn ways to assist parents to provide home support.
• Plan the implementation of what has been learned.

On-Site Implementation 

Because research and CORE’s own experience have shown that coaching and support are essential for professional development to be effective, CORE has made On-site Technical Implementation Assistance an essential component of CORE expert support. On-site Technical Implementation Assistance is provided to develop a seamless system that ensures equity across all sites. Specific content is determined in consultation between CORE and the school and/or district leadership. During the site visit, CORE Educational Consultants work informally with small groups of teachers, coaches, and administrators. Site visits and/or demonstration site visits provide the following vital services: 

Levels: PreK
Audience: Specific populations determined during planning for each visit. The principal, or site administrator, and teachers are requested to participate in all visits.
Format: Needs of each school or Head Start program determine focus of visit—planned at least two weeks prior to each visit. Four to 15 days are recommended.

• Demonstration Site Implementation and Practice  When CORE is supporting the implementation of a comprehensive, literacy approach, selected sites are identified by the district or Head Start program to serve as the venues for early childhood literacy specialist, preschool coach, and site and district administrator practice. During visits to demonstration sites, district leadership will practice their observation skills, calibrate observations, observe model lessons, and observe data study.
• Alignment of Instruction to Standards  The CORE Consultant can work with staff to ensure tight alignment of instruction to the Head Start Framework Correlations to the Common Core State Standards and other state-adopted standards. For preschool programs, CORE works with staff to align to National Early Literacy outcomes and Head Start expectations.
• Literacy Plan Development and Analysis of Need  The first CORE site visit is a crucial planning day to identify specific implementation issues and plan for organization, resources, and support needs. A CORE Educational Consultant initiates or reviews your comprehensive early literacy plan, including organization of instruction, implementation of a multi-tiered model, student grouping, time allocations, materials, personnel usage, and planned staff development.
• Response to Instruction/Intervention Follow-up Support  For preschools and Head Start programs implementing RtI, the CORE Consultant can provide support with data analysis planning for the three tiers, selection of robust materials, and goal setting and problem solving.
• Executive Coaching  For preschool or Head Start administrators, the Consultant provides personal coaching sessions that combine professional development with a discussion of instructional materials and visits to selected classrooms to calibrate observations and monitor program implementation. The Consultant works closely with the building administrator to ensure he or she understands how the instructional program is designed, what effective implementation of a core curriculum and supplemental intervention programs looks like, and how to use data to leverage improved achievement. 
• Work with Classroom or Head Start Teachers  The Consultant provides a number of services directly to classroom teachers. She or he coaches classroom teachers based on direct observation and feedback. The Consultant also conducts demonstration lessons, using your adopted materials if teachers have received materials training. Consultant also works with small groups of teachers to provide review and deeper understanding of adopted instructional materials and/or resolve implementation issues related to adopted instructional materials.
• Assessment Support  Regular use of early literacy screening and progress-monitoring data can make intervention planning dramatically more effective.
• Implementation of Scientifically Based Instructional Materials  The Consultant can provide, if needed, help with an analysis of your program needs and your choice of the optimal program. Since CORE does not publish instructional materials and is not aligned with any one textbook publisher, the Consultant can provide impartial advice.
• Specialized Program Review Sessions 
•  Email and Phone Support  Through a combination of on-site, phone, and email support, the Consultant manages the CORE program of services closely with site administrators and teacher leaders, and serves as the liaison to CORE.

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