Pasadena Launches ‘Kindergarten, Here I Come!’ (Photo – Graphics Dept.)
The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD), Pasadena Public Library, and Office of the Young Child have partnered with local schools, community organizations, and early childhood experts to pilot a new campaign called Kindergarten, Here I Come!.
By News Desk
The Kindergarten, Here I Come! campaign focuses on the early years of a child’s life. It aims to provide parents and caregivers with the information, tools, and resources to prepare their child for kindergarten and beyond.
It was developed to provide information and resources that can help children stay healthy, be safe, and be successful in five key areas of development—physical health and wellbeing, emotions and feelings, social skills, communication skills, and cognitive (thinking) skills. The campaign features a variety of resources for families including:
- Transition to Kindergarten (T2K) Kits
Families with children ages 2 to 5 years can receive tote bags with interactive items including starter school supplies, a coloring book, Countdown to Kindergarten calendar, magnets, and a picture book about getting ready for kindergarten. There will also be growth charts that list developmental steppingstones for children to learn and practice before starting school. Parents can pick up a T2K kit when they sign up for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten or attend an Info Session at a Pasadena Public Library branch location. Kits will be available while supplies last.
For a complete schedule of upcoming Info Sessions, visit this link. - Interactive Countdown to Kindergarten Calendar
The countdown calendar shows 121 activities and ideas to build children’s readiness for school, 12 places around Pasadena for children to visit, important reminders about the school and early childhood development, and learning resources. This calendar is part of the Transition to Kindergarten (T2K) Kit. - Resource Website
The City of Pasadena website offers free downloadable materials, resources, and information on preparing children for school.
Parents, educators, and community members can access valuable kindergarten readiness tools at this link. - 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Children who have been read to early are more successful in school. Early literacy skills have a lifelong impact on educational and occupational success.
More information about the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is available online at Pasadena-Library.net/Kids/1000Books.
The City of Pasadena’s Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program, is a home-based program for parents of children 2-5 years old. “We believe that every child deserves a strong start in their educational journey,” said Acting Director of Public Health, Manuel Carmona. “The Kindergarten, Here I Come! campaign seeks to empower parents, caregivers, and communities to provide the support and resources necessary for children to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.”
The campaign is part of the City of Pasadena 2022 Early Child Development Policy, which was adopted by City Council in November 2022 and recommends developing a campaign to introduce the Pasadena Unified School District to families. “We are thrilled to be able to present these resources to the community,” said Office of the Young Child Coordinator Carla Hegwood.
> For more information about Kindergarten, Here I Come!, visit CityOfPasadena.net/Kindergarten.
Edited by Ann Hunnewell
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