K-Readiness Workgroups

Purpose

The Assessment Process Workgroup will support development of a comprehensive approach to determining kindergarten readiness in Kentucky and identifying resources that support family engagement in school readiness.

Responsibilities

1. Review Kentucky’s current assessment process for determining kindergarten readiness and consider potential changes that may improve the validity of the process.
2. Develop a written plan detailing recommended assessment processes for determining kindergarten readiness for children in the Commonwealth.
3. Promote transparency and public understanding of kindergarten readiness assessment processes.

Purpose

The Fund Verification and Distribution Process Work Group will assist in developing recommendations regarding how financial incentives would be awarded if the pilot demonstrates positive results and policymakers choose to pursue implementation.

The work group will focus on ensuring that any future incentive distribution process is fair, transparent, practical, and accessible for eligible providers and families throughout the Commonwealth.

Responsibilities

1. Identify efficient and practical funding distribution methods.
2. Minimize administrative burden on participating providers and families.
3. Ensure accountability and appropriate use of public funds.
4. Create processes that are understandable and accessible to families and providers.
5. Develop recommendations that could be implemented statewide if supported by evaluation findings and legislative action.

The workgroups may include representation from, but not limited to:

• Early childhood educators
• Child care providers
• Family child care home providers
• School district representatives
• Kindergarten teachers
• Parents and caregivers
• State agency representatives
• Community organizations

A key responsibility of the workgroups is to develop recommendations only. The evaluation study is designed to determine whether performance-based financial incentives improve kindergarten readiness outcomes and whether such an investment is cost-effective. Any future implementation decisions would be made by policymakers after reviewing evidence generated by the pilot.

Note: The workgroups are advisory bodies charged with providing recommendations related to kindergarten readiness assessment processes and potential fund distribution mechanisms. Participation in a workgroup does not imply that a statewide program has been approved or will be implemented. The pilot evaluation is being conducted to determine whether such an approach is effective and cost-effective before future policy decisions are considered.