New Year, New Adventures: Expert tips on

by Erica Turchin, Manager, Marketing and Resource Development at Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County

Happy New Year! Now that you’ve made it through the holidays, you might have a moment to think about New Year’s goals and resolutions. Here’s one to put on the list: preparing your child for their educational journey by readying them for kindergarten.

You may have a future doctor, artist, or teacher right before your own eyes, and you play a big role in your child’s educational journey. You are your child’s first teacher from the moment they are born. Every engaging interaction you have with your child, such as talking, reading, playing, and exposing them to new experiences such as the zoo or gymnastics, helps support their brain development. After all, 90% of a child’s brain is developed by age 5. That means by the time they enter kindergarten, they have formed all the brain connections they’ll ever have for interacting with others, solving problems and building life skills.

The Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program is a great resource to help nourish your child’s growing mind as you think about your child’s milestones for 2023. According to the Division of Early Learning, in fall of 2021, non-participating VPK children were only 38% ready for kindergarten compared to VPK participants that were 61% ready for kindergarten. Children that are kindergarten ready are more likely to graduate from high school, be healthier adults and earn higher incomes.

All Florida children who are 4 years old by Sept. 1 are eligible for the complimentary VPK program. Even better, you can pick which learning environment you prefer for your child, such as private school, public school, a child care center or a family child care home. while you continue to be your child’s first teacher. For many children going straight from their home environment, kindergarten can be scary. VPK helps both caregiver and child adjust to the new educational journey. It allows your child to build their social skills, learn what it's like to be away from their caregiver, instill trust in a new adult, and learn how to interact with other children of the same age. It allows your child to form higher literacy and numerous skills and more importantly, learn new skills through play. Time spent is typically a few hours a day Monday through Friday, but hours differ by location.

The New Year is the perfect time to start researching a VPK program that works well for you and your child. The process can seem stressful and foreign, especially if this is your firstborn. Visit the VPK program you are interested in and bring your young learner to involve them in the new journey.

Once you have found a location that works well for everyone, you can apply for the VPK certificate by going to www.elchc.org and selecting ‘Apply For Free VPK’ from the drop-down menu on the homepage. Once you have applied, the VPK certificate will be sent to your email. You will then send the certificate to the VPK program of your choice.

Knowing your child is in a safe, supportive environment and growing their young mind allows you to go about your day being productive in your own life journey. The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County has many great resources to help prepare children from birth to 5 years old for kindergarten with early learning programs, engaging activities to do with your child at home and free family community events. As you write your goals for 2023, don’t forget to add 'Preparing My Child For Kindergarten.'

Founded 54 years ago, Corbett Prep offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum for all students. Teachers use research-based strategies to create hands-on learning experiences. Visual and performing arts, team sports, and social-emotional learning curriculum align to develop confident, creative, innovative thinkers with character ready to contribute to the world in a meaningful, positive way. Enrollment: 550 Class-Size: Varies by grade level Grades: PreK-grade 8 Tuition: $13,803-$18,470

At Cornerstone Christian School, our mission is to provide quality education in a Christ-Centered environment for the children of our community. We believe that every child has value and purpose. Our job is to help students discover their potential through academic, physical, social and spiritual development. Enrollment: 80 Class-Size: Small teacher-student ratio Grades: PreK to grade 8 Tuition: K-8 $8,100

Countryside Christian Academy's mission is to provide excellence in Christian education while instilling Biblical principles in students' lives that they might impact their society for Christ. Our program is fully accredited and well-balanced, encouraging the development of the whole child: spirit, soul, (mind) and body. Enrollment: 225 Class-Size: 15 Grades: K5-grade 8 Tuition: $9,500+

COMING 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR! The D.W. Waters Career Acceleration Academy will undergo an exciting transformation over the next year. It is scheduled to become our high school Medical Academy. Some programs slated to be offered include Medical Laboratory Assisting, Electrocardiograph Technician, and Emergency Medical Responder. For more details and the latest updates, please visit hillsboroughschools.org/buildingtampastomorrow.

DOROTHY C. YORK INNOVATION ACADEMY (K-8 MAGNET SCHOOL)

York will open as a Project Lead the Way Robotics and Engineering School, where students will participate in hands-on, project-based learning, STEM, arts, and international studies. The Admirals will collaborate in innovative labs with one-to-one technology accessible to explore their interests and prepare them for high school and beyond. Enrollment: 150 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 1,253 Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE

DOWDELL MIDDLE MAGNET (ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES)

We bridge passion for the environment with real world learning. Students can take unique environmental and animal science electives. Students learn outdoors with our salt marsh grass nursery and land lab and experience our hydroponics and aquaponics labs. Our partnerships with the Florida Aquarium and surrounding recycling companies helps strengthen our mission to educate students to understand the environment around them and how to help it.

DUNBAR ELEMENTARY MAGNET (MEDICAL SCIENCE)

At Dunbar’s Medical Magnet Program, young scholars experience STEM fields through hands-on curriculum and an interactive House Program. Students explore the human body systems and healthy habits with partners like St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, USF Health and more. NEW! Third Grade Accelerated Math Academy prepares students for high school Math courses. enrollment: 508 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 278 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

A first of its kind Essrig Montessori Academy will open for Hillsborough County Public Schools students 3 years of age through kindergarten. This self-directed and paced learning approach will foster rigorous, self-motivated growth for children in all areas of their development—nurturing their desire for knowledge, understanding and respect.

(A CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL)

As a Cambridge International Magnet School and the only girls-only school in the district, we are dedicated to developing confident, dynamic, educated young women. Our technology-rich, interactive learning campus—including our 1:1 technology program—infuses 21st century tech skills into every student’s learning. Mentoring opportunities and community engagement create well-rounded learners.

(A CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL)

As a Cambridge International Magnet School and the only boys-only school in the district, we are molding young men of distinction who will achieve greatness. We promote academic achievement, professionalism and self-confidence. Our young men prepare for college in a technology-rich environment with a robotics makerspace and Smart Boards and iPads available for every student.

The French American School of Tampa Bay offers a unique culturally diverse experience through Dual Language education from PK to grade 6. We are also an IB World candidate school nurturing curiosity, creativity, and the ability to reflect. Our students are caring and active learners thanks to our exceptional faculty.

GRECO MIDDLE MAGNET (IB CANDIDATE)

Our school-wide IB candidate program, guided by International Baccalaureate World School principles, works with community partners and the city of Temple Terrace to create a unique IB experience every day. Our school has exceptional programs on campus that allow students to explore their passion, all under the IB program umbrella.

A Preschool-1 through 8th-grade school empowers students of all backgrounds to reach their unique potential and develop their personal identity shaped by a rich academic program, Jewish life, and an inclusive community anchored in a Culture of Kindness. Additionally, Hillel offers an After School Enrichment Academy and Summer Camps!

A tuition-free public charter school serving Kindergarten to 8th Grade. Challenging and hands-on curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere and a focus on character development. We are “A” rated offering the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, extracurricular activities, clubs and Edventure, before & after school program. Enrollment: 63 Grades: ages 3 years - kindergarten Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 470 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 323 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 75 Class-Size: 12-15 Grades: PreK-6 Tuition: $13,000-$16,000

Enrollment: 810 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 218 Class-Size: small class sizes Grades: age 1 to grade 8 Tuition: $5,300-$20,450

Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE