The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is sponsoring an orientation session on the School of the 21st Century (21C) on May 9, 2001. The session will be held at the Arkansas State Police Headquarters, #1 State Police Plaza Drive, exit 133 off Interstate 30, in Little Rock from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
The primary focus of the 21C is to promote the optimal development of children beginning at birth. 21C schools do this by providing quality school-based and school-linked early childhood care and education, school-age childcare and family support services. Through these services, schools help ensure that children are ready to learn, create stronger relationships with families, and support children's success in school and in life. The School of the 21st Century was created by Yale University, Professor Edward Zigler, one of the principal architects of the federal Head Start program. Yale University staff and trainers will be leading the session on May 9, and will provide an overview of the model and information about how to implement 21C in local communities.
Yale University provides training and technical assistance to school districts implementing the School of the 21st Century model. Through a partnership with the ADE, Yale has worked with several school districts throughout the state for the past three years. The ADE would like to expand the number of districts that can take advantage of these training resources. The orientation session on May 9, is the first step in the implementation process for those districts interested in pursuing 21C. Additional follow-up training will be provided in the state and at Yale University.
Attached, please find a Frequently Asked Questions and a registration form. Please complete the enclosed registration form indicating the participants for the May 9, 2001, 21C orientation session and return ASAP to Mary Kaye McKinney at the address or fax number listed on the registration form. If additional information is needed, please contact Mary Kaye McKinney at 501-682-4847.