Countdown to Kindergarten Kicked Off

Free health screenings, school info, help families transition to K5

February 2008

Seven thousand children are set to make that critical transition into school this Fall. Trident United Way wants to make sure they’re ready to succeed.

On February 23 Trident United Way officially launched Countdown to Kindergarten for all children entering kindergarten in 2008. (See photos here.) Families of children entering kindergarten in 2008 can sign up here anytime during the year.

TUW distributed “I’m going to kindergarten” t-shirts and backpacks to all eligible children. Officials from all four school districts and other community agencies were on hand to answer questions about kindergarten registration. The event also included free vision, hearing, and dental screenings as well as local performers and area mascots.

The Countdown program involves a year long series of services to families, including parent outreach and school readiness education, targeting populations most at risk for school failure. The program seeks to actively involve parents in their child’s education prior to kindergarten.

Studies have shown that parental involvement is one of the largest predictors of children’s school success.

Countdown to Kindergarten is a collaborative partnership between Trident United Way Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester County School Districts, First Steps Offices, Head Start, the Mayor’s Office for Children Youth and Families, and the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.

Countdown to Kindergarten Home Page