Early Childhood
Education

The National Institute for Literacy states that exposure to early reading and writing skill development for a child from birth to age 5 is strongly correlated with successful reading and writing skills in later elementary grade levels and beyond. It is also well documented in the Early Literacy Newsletter that children who are read to daily and are given an opportunity to respond to what is read have a higher probability of developing stronger literacy skills.

MEP staff are encouraged to guide parents of children ages 3-5 not enrolled in Pre-K or Kindergarten to enroll their children in an early childhood program that will help in the children’s academic, social, and emotional development. However, it is important to encourage coordination with other entities before Title I, Part C-funded support is provided.

National Institute
for Literacy

Early Literacy
Newsletter

Early Childhood ESSA Grant Program Requirements

ESSA Consolidated Grant Program Guidelines

According to the ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Program Guidelines, one of the general program requirements is to address the unmet needs of preschool migratory children.

These needs can be met through coordination with other early childhood programs within the district or community. However, if no other early childhood services are available then the district should offer the MEP-funded A Bright Beginning program.

Click here to view the current ESSA requirements for early childhood.

Texas MEP SDP: Goal 2 School Readiness

The following are required strategies outlined in the Texas MEP Statewide Service Delivery Plan: Goal 2: School Readiness Service Delivery Strategies

Coordinate with local education agency (LEA) and/or community-based school readiness programs to provide migratory children ages 3-5 (who are not in kindergarten) with access to school readiness services.
Provide the TEA-approved early literacy program (A Bright Beginning) for migratory children ages 3-5 who are not served by other programs (during the regular school year, summer, virtual, face-to-face, home-based, center-based).

Click here to view the current Statewide Service Delivery Plan

Early Childhood Support

Head Start

MET, Inc.

A Bright Beginning

Parent Training

Early Head Start and Head Start Programs

These need-based programs promote school readiness for children five and under from low-income families. Since these programs are based in centers and schools throughout the local community, programs may vary depending on the needs of the community. Many programs are center-based, but home-based services are available with staff assigned to conduct weekly visits to work with children and parents in their home.

For additional resources and information, visit the following websites:

Early Childhood Learning
& Knowledge Center

Provides policy and regulations for Head Start programs, training and technical assistance centers, upcoming events, a job center for employment opportunities, and other resources.

Community Development
Institute

Appointed as interim manager of Head Start and Early Head Start programs when the current grantee’s responsibility for the program ceases.

Motivation, Education, & Training, Inc. (MET, Inc.)

This private, non-profit corporation helps rural communities in Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wyoming with family services and activities through partnerships with a network of service centers. One of the partnerships they have is with Early Head Start and Head Start Programs to provide additional assistance to low-income families that reach above and beyond the scope of Head Start Programs.

MET, Inc.
Head Start page

A Bright Beginning (ABB)

This Title I, Part C-funded program is specifically for migratory children ages 3-5 not enrolled in Pre-K or Kindergarten. The intent of this program is to develop the skills of the parent to support the early literacy needs of the child, since the parent is the child’s first teacher. A trained ABB educator will offer one-hour weekly lessons either individually to a migratory child in the home (Home-based Program), or in a group setting at a center designated by the school system (Center-based Program). Lessons may be offered during the summer months as well as during the school year.

Note: For more information on how to implement an ABB Program in your school system, visit the AIIMS topic page for A Bright Beginning.

A Bright Beginning
AIIMS topic page

Early Childhood/School Readiness Parent Training Sessions

Content provided by Donna ISD

MEP educators and/or early childhood specialists present migratory parents with developmentally appropriate school readiness resources and strategies in reading and math during the MEP PAC meetings. Suggested steps for the implementation of these sessions include the following:

MEP staff inform parents of the meetings during a pre-registration session, home meeting, previous PAC meeting, and/or through calendars sent home for migratory parents.
MEP coordinator coordinates with the appropriate specialist/presenters and secure a meeting site.
MEP staff prepare all materials needed for hands-on activities parents will use during the meeting and take home with them.
MEP staff will contact parents via telephone calls and home visits the week before the meeting to ensure parent participation. Parents are asked to evaluate the session and offer suggestions for topics of future meetings.

SAMPLE Parent Session
Evaluation Form