The Prince George Education and Workforce Development Committee convened on September 8, 2025, to discuss strategies aimed at enhancing early childhood education and parental involvement in literacy. A key focus of the meeting was the development of a rubric to assess the utilization of educational resources across various locations, ensuring that programs are effectively tailored to meet community needs.
Committee members highlighted the importance of sensory programs for children aged zero to three, emphasizing their role in fostering early literacy through activities such as reading aloud. There was a strong consensus on the need to extend support to parents, particularly in teaching them how to read with their children. This initiative aims to empower parents with skills that are currently not being addressed by the school system.
By providing training at local libraries, where families already engage with educational services, the committee believes it can significantly contribute to improving kindergarten readiness and student performance metrics, such as DIBELS scores. This collaborative approach seeks to bridge the gap between home and school, ultimately enhancing the educational outcomes for young learners in Prince George's County.
The committee's discussions underscore a commitment to supporting families and fostering a community-centric approach to early childhood education, with the potential for lasting impacts on student achievement.