Do you have a 4-year-old (or soon-to-be 4-year-old) that you’d like to enroll in childcare? What if the childcare program were free, with no strings attached? And what if there were a curriculum, aligned with Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, taught at that free program that prepared them for kindergarten?
If this sounds too good to be true, we’re here to tell you: it’s a real program, and it’s offered at Cornerstone Academy! Coined the “Get Kids Ready” program, it’s a FREE school readiness program that will help set your little one up for success in school. Learn more about what to expect, eligibility, and how you can apply today.
What is the “Get Kids Ready” Program?
In some ways, the “Get Kids Ready” program is history in the making—it’s the first-ever state-funded childcare program in the state of Wisconsin! Featuring a standardized curriculum that’s designed to bridge the educational gap between early childcare and kindergarten.
Kids will learn everything from early literacy, math, independence, emotional skills, and much more, while also preparing to transition to a “school” environment eventually.
Some highlights of the program include:
- Curriculum aligned with Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards
- 437 hours of FREE instruction time per year
- Smaller, more collaborative class sizes
- Taught by highly qualified teachers
The ultimate goal is to give kids an educational head start at a critical point in their development, while also ensuring that all families have equal opportunities to give their children quality care. At the end of the day, it’s about investing in the next generation!
Is it Really Free Childcare?
Have you ever heard the phrase, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch”? Well, the “Get Kids Ready” program is here to prove that age-old adage wrong. It really is free, thanks to $65 million in state funding. The state pays the participating daycare providers directly, which means parents don’t have to pay any tuition. (No worrying about reimbursements!)
It is important to note, however, that the “Get Kids Ready” program is only a half-day, or three and a half hours. (At Cornerstone Academy, our program is from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday.) So, if you do want more childcare outside of program hours, that will cost out-of-pocket.
How Do You Qualify for the “Get Kids Ready” Program?
It’s not hard to qualify for the “Get Kids Ready” program! There are no income, residency, or literacy testing requirements. You simply must:
- Have a child who is 4 years old by September 1st of that enrollment year*
- Be enrolled at a participating childcare center. (You can see a list of participating daycare centers on the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) website. We’re on there!)
- Submit an application via a DCF form, which should be provided by your childcare provider (and submitted to them as well).
It’s important to note that slots are limited, so even if you do qualify, you have to see if your provider has space available. (That’s why you want to get your application in sooner rather than later!)
*If your child is already 5 years old on September 1st (such as a child with a summer birthday whose family decided to delay kindergarten enrollment), they are still eligible for the “Get Kids Ready” program. However, children who are 5 years old AND enrolled in kindergarten are not eligible.
Benefits of the “Get Kids Ready” Program
1. Helps with Childcare Costs
The unfortunate reality is that costs for everything are on the rise, and childcare is no exception. That’s where the “Get Kids Ready” program comes in to alleviate that financial burden, especially if you are already paying for multiple children’s enrollment. Even if you do opt to pay for extra hours around the state-provided ones, you’re still cutting costs in half!
2. Gives Your Child an Academic Head Start
Through advanced educational lessons, hands-on activities, and creativity exercises taught in the program, your child will engage different, formative parts of their brains well before their peers. They’ll also get familiarized with the rhythm and routine of school, making the future transition to kindergarten (that many struggle with) a lot less jarring.
3. Increased Chance of Success Later in Life
Children who participated in early education programs, like the “Get Kids Ready” program, have been found to experience increased chances of success well into adulthood.
Particularly, studies have shown that these children have better academic performance throughout their schooling, are more likely to graduate from high school and college, and tend to earn more wages than children who did not participate in some form of early education.
4. No Worries About Shuffling Your Child Around
The great part about the “Get Kids Ready” program is that it takes place in a qualified childcare center! That means that if you do want extra care outside of the program hours, they can stay right where they are.
You don’t have to worry about scheduling a pick-up mid-day or trying to find a babysitter for the awkward in-between. If you want them there for an extra couple of hours or for the rest of the day, you can choose an option that makes it easiest for your schedule.
Are You Ready to Enroll in the “Get Kids Ready” Program at Cornerstone Academy?
There’s no time to wait! Space is limited, so apply today! If your child is eligible, please fill out the application below and return it either in person, by mail, or by email to Cornerstone Academy management for acceptance. For any questions or additional information, please contact us!
