Group Works To Get Children Ready For Kindergarten

A group hoping to get children more prepared for kindergarten has 30,000 reasons to be excited.  That's the number of brochures its had printed to get in the hands of parents.  The pamphlets, titled "Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?" contains what those behind the effort consider vital information.

"The brain capability of a child between the ages of one and five is at its highest," said Ben Slingluff.  "They absorb more and learn more (between those ages) and we're missing the boat (on getting them prepared)." 

However, the brochures may change all that since they outline skills and other things needed before the little one heads to the classroom for the first time.  From knowing personal information such as birth date and home address to writing skills to social development, the brochures cover everything to get children prepared for kindergarten.   

"We're going to get these out and in the hands of as many people as possible," said Lynn Ivey.  She and  Slingluff are members of the Houston County Children's Policy Council which is spearheading the effort.  Others involved include Yes We Can Dothan, Houston County Schools, Dothan Schools, and local colleges.  Wiregrass Foundation also played a role in the development and printing of the brochures.

The literature can be picked up at schools in Dothan and Houston County, pediatric clinics, the Child Advocacy Center and other places.  You can also view the brochure on the Yes We Can Dothan Facebook page.