| Notes |

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Praised by President Obama as a “catalyst for change,” Educare DC is a research-based, early education program that is committed to changing the academic outcomes of at-risk children. Educare DC opened in 2012 in Ward 7, recognizing the unique and challenging need for additional high-quality preschool in the District of Columbia’s highest poverty-stricken areas. Since then, has also attracted students and their families from Wards 5 and 8. With its innovative, full-day, year-round educational school for children, ages 3–5, Educare DC presently is serving 85 preschool students in a new, state-of-the art building, specifically designed for young children, families, and staff, with capacity to grow to approximately 119 children. As an outgrowth of the existing Educare DC program, Educare DC Public Charter School (“EDCPCS”) will be developed as a conversion charter school for PK-3 and PK-4 students.
Committed to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty for students from families at or below the poverty line and ensuring that all young children arrive at kindergarten healthy, happy, and prepared to learn, Educare DC is part of a national network of 20 exemplary early learning schools, called the Educare Learning Network, that has generated strong student and family outcomes in communities across the country. The power of the Educare model of early education is derived from its core elements—data utilization, embedded professional development, high- quality teaching practices, and intensive family engagement. Educare DC implements these four components in a comprehensive, intentional, and sustained way to deliver a high-quality, intensive early childhood education program. This approach has a proven track record built over the last decade and supported by extensive research, showing that Educare children arrive at elementary school on par with more advantaged peer groups on measures of school readiness, have better language and literacy skills than their non-Educare peers, and develop strong social- emotional skills essential for success in school and in life.
Essential to the school’s success is its highly effective curriculum, —
—and supports all students, including those with disabilities and English language learners. Aligned, with the District of Columbia Early Learning Standards for Pre-Kindergarten and the District of Columbia Common Core Early Learning Standards,
Leading the charge to convert the PK-3 and PK-4 portion of this unique program to a charter school are Educare DC’s experienced leader and high-quality staff, a board of directors committed and invested in its success, and skilled technical assistance advisors who work collaboratively to bridge gaps, overcome challenges, and develop strategies, activities, and resources to support the school. The impact of their efforts has not gone unnoticed, with parents of students spreading the word about this highly effective school, resulting in the doubling of enrollment since Educare DC opened just 2 years ago. Educare DC has embraced its connection to the community, partnering with organizations to help serve young, low-income children and their families and collaborating with neighborhood organizations. Once chartered as EDCPCS, we will continue our commitment to the community and bring this proven educational program and our expertise to other charter
Educare model that have contributed to its positive impact on at-risk children include the small
staff-student ratios (3:17), “looping”/continuity of care, and on-site family support and
Other important elements of the
engagement services.
Preschool, which focuses on four areas of development
The Creative Curriculum® for
physical, cognitive, language, and social-
emotional
Preschool balances teacher‐planned and child‐initiated learning, emphasizing responsiveness to
The Creative Curriculum® for
children's strengths, interests, needs, and learning styles.
EDCPCS Page 2
schools and traditional district schools, providing increased educational opportunities and choices for parents and students in the District of Columbia area. |