MISSION, TEXAS (October 2, 2024) – Mission CISD, in partnership with Region One Education Service Center and local early childcare facilities, hosted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing to launch a new collaborative initiative: the "Crib to College" program.
The Crib to College program is designed as a pipeline to support young children’s seamless transition from early childcare facilities to kindergarten and beyond, ensuring a solid foundation for their educational journey.
Beginning in October 2024, children attending one of four participating early childcare facilities will be officially enrolled as Mission CISD students.
The program introduces Texas certified Pre-K partnership teachers to the early childcare facilities, where they will deliver Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 curriculum.
“This initiative is all about implementing a school readiness plan,” said Dr. Cris Valdez, Mission CISD Superintendent of Schools. “These partnerships will not only expand access to high-quality early childhood programs but also increase the percentage of children who are truly kindergarten ready.”
The four early childcare facilities that participated in the program include:
- Dreamland Learning Center
- The Little Club Development Center
- Kid’s Cottage Child Development Center
- Kidz First Child Care Center
EDUCATION CLOSE TO HOME
For the 2024-2025 school year, students enrolled in the Crib to College program will receive half-day instruction at no cost to parents, which is a big benefit to some families.
Other benefits for the Crib to College initiative include:
High-quality Pre-K education, designed to give children a smooth and confident transition into kindergarten.
Seamless experience with consistent care throughout the school day and before/after school care programs.
Convenient hours tailored for working families, offering full-day care that fits their schedule.
Aligned curriculum with local schools, ensuring children are well-prepared for their academic future.
“Early Childhood Partnerships allow LEAs (local education agencies), childcare programs, and Head Start programs to enhance learning continuity, by leveraging local resources and expertise to provide every child an opportunity to thrive, learn, and grow,” said Roel Garza, Coordinator of Early Childhood Partnerships at Region One.
Dr. Daniel King, Region One ESC Executive Director says Crib to College is an investment for the community at large.
“Our investment in pre-kindergarten partnerships continues to pay off as we work to scale daycare and Head Start collaborations around the region,” Dr. Daniel P. King said. “This will have a significant impact on kindergarten readiness and daycare quality.”
At the time of the launch, Mims Elementary and Ollie O’Grady Elementary are the Mission CISD campuses involved in the partnership.
Early childhood students will be officially registered under these schools. Dr. Valdez shared that the Crib to College program aims to expand to additional campuses, providing even more students with the chance to benefit from this unique opportunity.
“It’s a great opportunity,” said Sylvia Mendoza of Kidz First Child Care Center. “We are the first of four centers, and hopefully other centers can join in on this program.”
For more information on the Crib to College program, including registration criteria, please contact one of the participating early childcare facilities.
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