By
Dr. Cindy Thomas-Cary
August 7, 2009
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          According to a recent RAND Corporation study (2009), one of the five key educational issues facing the United States today is promoting effective preschool programs. The California Preschool Study sponsored by Randwas requested by the Governor’s Committee on Education Excellence, the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and other state policymakers to consider alternatives for restructuring and expanding preschool education for school readiness purposes. Scientific research and years of applied experience have confirmed that the answer to school success has to do with exemplary practices in pre-kindergarten programs (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000). Therefore, it is essential for educational decision-makers to know what these programs look like. In this paper, a template for exemplary pre-kindergarten programs will be developed that contribute to all aspects of young children’s development.

Exemplary Educational Models

          The planning and organization process for an exemplary pre-kindergarten program begins with establishing an educational model. Educational models contain best program practices, curriculum content, program evaluation and child assessment, and teacher training/compensation. Educational models are intended to add to all phases of children’s development. The models are validated if its value in contributing to children’s development has been scientifically confirmed by experts and researchers (Schweinhart, 2002).