Kindergarten Readiness scores recently released by the Florida Department of Education show 50% of Escambia County children were ready for kindergarten in 2023, up 5% from 2022 (45%), and 8% since 2021 (42%).

   SCI’s Building Brains program is all about giving every child the opportunity to be the best they can be. Moving the needle on kindergarten readiness is an important measure of success.

   The effort that started in 2018 is based on research from the TMW Center at The University of Chicago that shows around 85% of the brain is developed in the first three years of life, and the amount of positive language interaction a child gets in that critical stretch is the key to unlocking their potential. Working with experts, SCI developed programs to inform, equip, and support parents on the pivotal importance of early brain development.

   Initiatives include:

-Partnering with every Pensacola area hospital to show all new parents the Build A Brain video, and provide them with a resource filled Brain Bag

-Facilitating usage of the game-changing Basics Insights text messaging service

-Running the Sibling Brain Builders program in conjunction with Escambia Co. elementary schools

   

   “We’re thrilled to be part of making a difference,” said SCI Executive Director Katie Ballard. “But the work is far from over. While the news is encouraging, 50% of kids being ready for kindergarten means 50% are not. We are dedicated to continuing to work with our partners in the community to keep the momentum going.”

   Learn more about SCI’s Building Brains program, and how you can help, at studeri.org/EarlyLearningCity