The Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan

The Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan is a collaborative initiative of the 11 school districts of Douglas and Sarpy counties to create and sustain high-quality, equitable early childhood practices and programs for young children living in poverty. The focus of the plan is on closing opportunity gaps so that all children can reach their full potential.

In partnership with the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties, the Buffett Early Childhood Institute provides leadership and support for the plan, which is seen as one of the nation’s most innovative and comprehensive approaches to ensure early learning opportunities for all children.

The Superintendents’ Plan in Action

The plan presents three levels of support for school districts, elementary schools and community-based professionals to strengthen their birth through grade 3 efforts.

Professional Development for All

Professional Development for All is a series of in-person and online opportunities open to school leaders, teachers, early childhood professionals, and caregivers who work with children from birth through grade 3 in Douglas and Sarpy counties.

Customized Assistance to School Districts

Customized Assistance provides tailored consultation to school districts, addressing leadership effectiveness, instructional excellence and family engagement.

As part of the Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan’s School as Hub approach, families at Mockingbird can attend weekly drop-in play sessions, which allow them to connect with other local parents, or they can join the more structured, monthly socialization group that incorporates an early childhood curriculum.

Led by home visitor Eunises Casillas, the monthly group emphasizes literacy, language and plenty of free play. Melissa Stolley, Ralston’s director of student services, praised Casillas and said Ralston is looking to expand the socialization and drop-in groups to another elementary school.

“It’s really helped grow parent involvement at the building and get kids excited for school,” allowing Ralston to connect with families years before their children enter preschool or kindergarten, Stolley said.

Families in the socialization groups swap stories, parenting tips, even clothes and toys.

“Research shows that the more engaged families are, the better the outcomes for students,” said Molly Colling, a Buffett Institute program specialist who works with home visitors. “The children have a network of peers, and families have a network, too. They feel comfortable and that they belong at this school.”