GROWING LANGUAGE

Speech and language skills are crucial for a child's development, as they impact not only their ability to communicate effectively but also their social and academic success. Early intervention by a speech pathologist can help identify and address potential communication difficulties in children before they start school, setting them up for future success.

Della Lamb's partnership with Rockhurst University's Speech Pathology program is an excellent example of how early intervention can benefit children from all backgrounds, regardless of their socioeconomic status. By providing free speech and language services to children in need, Rockhurst's students are helping to level the playing field and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed

The children of Della Lamb received approximately 576 hours of speech therapy in 2022 While all Della Lamb students benefit from reading and communication lessons, 21 children received one-on-one support from the Rockhurst Speech Pathology students Some little learners will continue to receive services in the future, though many graduate from the program each year

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LITTLE LEARNERS SERVED, FED, COMMITTED TO, AND EDUCATED IN 2022.

Speech pathology students and their program moderator work with Della's children to improve their ability to communicate effectively, including skills such as vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and articulation. They also address social communication skills, such as turn-taking, eye contact, and conversation skills. By improving these skills early on, children are better prepared for the social and academic demands of school.

We are extremely proud to be a diverse and multi-lingual school, though it does come with communication hurdles. By understanding the nuances of a child's native language, the speech pathology students tailor their interventions to be more effective and culturally sensitive, helping children to develop their speech and language skills in a way that is meaningful and relevant to them This is especially important for our little learners who have a range of different first languages

Early intervention by a speech pathologist can have a significant impact on a child's development, setting them up for success in school and beyond Della Lamb's partnership with Rockhurst University's Speech Pathology program is a fantastic example of how community organizations can come together to support children and families in need, providing critical services that can make a real and lasting difference in their lives

NATIONWIDE,

Highest Scores

Della Lamb students received the highest scores in the Kansas City Pre-K Co-Op in preparing students for Kindergarten. Our students went from only 2 children being ready for kindergarten at the start of the school year to 92% being kindergarten ready at graduation. Research has consistently shown that children who receive highquality early education have better outcomes in terms of cognitive development, school readiness, and social-emotional skills.

Teacher Shortage

Della Lamb is licensed to serve 133 students 6 weeks through Pre-K, but due to a nationwide teacher shortage, our daily attendance is around 55. The lack of teachers in the industry negatively impacts families who need quality early education and childcare. Children who attend high-quality early education programs have been shown to have better academic outcomes and improved social and emotional skills, and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.

poverty were enrolled in preschool com with 76% of their counterparts with a fa income of five times the poverty level according to the RAND Corporation Wh low-income families benefit most from quality early education, they statistically the least access to it both financially an geographically. The Historic Northeast h predominantly low-income population, many families struggle to find affordabl childcare options, and with only 18% of households in this area having access to vehicle, they are further limited in their to access childcare facilities.

Our 2022 graduation showcased twice as many students than years past due to our second Pre-K classroom opening in the Fall of 2021. That means twice as many children were prepared to tackle Kindergarten head-on!

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PRE-K GRADUATES FREE & REDUCED LUNCH

Our geographic location and partnership with the KC Pre-K Cooperative allow us the opportunity to meet the needs of the families around us. There is a direct correlation between impoverished neighborhoods and the scarcity of childcare options. All children deserve quality early education.

HIGH-QUALITY EARLY CHILD CARE INCREASES CHILDREN’S READINESS FOR SCHOOL AND NARROWS THE SO-CALLED ACHIEVEMENT GAP BY HALF.