Program Description

Lancaster County First Steps partners with the Lancaster County School District and the Southside Early Childhood Center to provide scholarships for 10 children in a high quality model 4-K classroom. The center provides child care for 20 children on a daily basis from 7:20 am until 2:00 pm. All students were targeted for participation on the basis of compounded school readiness risk factors (Dial-4 screening score in the bottom 25%, free and reduced lunch status, mother’s education, etc.). The High Scope Curriculum is implemented and includes a pre and post assessment.

Why 4K Works

Well-designed preschool education programs produce long-term improvements in school success, including higher achievement test scores, lower rates of grade repetition and special education, and higher educational attainment. Some preschool programs are also associated with reduced delinquency and crime in childhood and adulthood.
Preschool Education and Its Lasting Effects: 
Research and Policy Implications
National Institute for Early Education Research, 2008