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Shaker's First Class: Sowing the Seeds for Success The first years of a child's life are critical in determining his or her path toward adulthood. The Shaker Heights Schools are gearing up to meet this challenge by expanding the District's early childhood learning program. (MS 1HD Enrollment for Shaker's First Class is currently underway. For more information, contact Onaway Principal Amy Davis at davis_a@shaker.org, or (216) 295-4080. By Jennifer Proe Photography by Caydie Heller There are only 2,000 days between birth and the day a child enters kindergarten, and every single one matters when it comes to brain development. According to the World Health Organization, "The early child period is considered to be the most important developmental phase throughout the lifespan. Healthy early child development - which includes the physical, social/emotional, and language/cognitive domains of development ... strongly influences well-being, obesity/stunting, mental health, heart disease, competence in literacy and numeracy, criminality, and economic participation throughout life." In short, what happens in the early years has everything to do with success later in life. In light of a growing body of research in this area, it's no surprise that early childhood education is in the spotlight at the national, state, and local levels. An organization called First 2,000 Days cites this study as just one example: "Duke University researchers found that North Carolina third graders had higher reading and math scores and lower special education placements in counties that spent more money on early learning programs when those children were younger. The early years are so defining that by the time children turn eight, their third grade outcomes can predict future academic achievement and career success." The Shaker Heights City School District has long recognized the importance of a strong educational start by offering a high-quality Pre-K Early Intervention program, based at Onaway Elementary School, which serves students with special needs along with peer models from throughout the District. h e class meets four days a week, with students attending either a morning or afternoon session. As part of the District's five-year strategic planning process, the challenge was raised: How can we do more to ensure that children are ready for success when they enter our doors? 46 SHAKERONLINE.COM | WINTER 2016


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