WHAT IS GSGF?

The Great Start for Great Futures Coalition (GSGF) is a group of Stark County early education providers, agencies, advocates, and community leaders collaborating to improve children’s outcomes from the prenatal months to kindergarten. GSGF develops systems that align with clear metrics, and integrates strategic partners into its work, in order to heighten public awareness and equip decisionmakers to impact outcomes.

THE GSGF GOAL?

To ensure all children are ready for school and have equitable access to the opportunities they need to achieve school and life success.

 

WHY DO WE DO THIS?

To ensure all children:
  • Are well cared for physically; interact well socially; have a positive self-perception; and can understand, interpret, and express their feelings. 
  • Approach learning with enthusiasm and curiosity and have the language, listening, and cognitive skills they need to succeed.

 

GSGF STRATEGIES

Our strategies are designed to ensure that:
  • Families read together daily and actively engage with and support their children’s learning before kindergarten, through the transition into kindergarten, and throughout the school years. 
  • Educators & staff of early childhood programs use curriculums that build on prior learning; consider individual differences in language, culture, and experience; and have the resources to teach effectively. 
  • The community provides children access to health care, immunizations, and good nutrition; provides families access to high-quality early childhood education; and invests in resources and activities that support families and promote school readiness

 

GSGF PROJECTS

STARK COUNTY TRANSITION SKILLS SUMMARY COLLABORATIVE PROJECT

Designed to ensure that the growth of the online Stark Transition Skills Summary (TSS) is utilized by all early childcare programs throughout Stark County to obtain county-wide data as to early learning areas of growth and strength for children. To learn more, visit the TSS webpage. Below are a few links to resources, data and information about the TSS Collaborative Project.

 

GREAT START FACTS

Small But Mighty: 90% of a child’s brain development occurs by age 5. During the period from birth to age 3, a child experiences the fastest rate of brain development across their entire life span.
Time Goes So Fast: There are only 2,000 days between birth and the beginning of kindergarten.
One Thing Leads to Another: Progress made during the first 5 years of a child’s life is highly predictive of future successes and struggles. Kindergarten readiness predicts 3rd grade reading achievement, which predicts 8th grade math achievement, which predicts high school graduation, which predicts postsecondary attainment.
Now Is The Time To Act! Far too many Stark County kids (40%!) are not on track at the start of the kindergarten year.

Need more information or to get involved on one of the committees, email Jenna or call 330-491-3272.