ERIC Number: EJ1084961
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1524-5039
EISSN: N/A
Identifying Key Early Literacy and School Readiness Issues: Exploring a Strategy for Assessing Community Needs
Weigel, Daniel J.; Martin, Sally S.
Early Childhood Research & Practice, v8 n2 Fall 2006
Much effort has been expended in developing intervention programs to help improve the early literacy and school readiness skills of young children. This article presents the results of a needs assessment project aimed at identifying priorities for community intervention programs aimed at ensuring that young children enter school ready to learn. A panel of 30 carefully selected early childhood panelists completed 4 rounds of questionnaires designed to develop a prioritized list of key community needs and programs. The panelists identified 39 broad issues and prioritized these in terms of critical importance. Participants also identified key existing assets and needed community efforts to address the highest rated priorities. Several implications for educational intervention and service provision can be drawn from this project. The article may provide a blueprint for others wishing to identify key community needs related to important early childhood issues.
Descriptors: Emergent Literacy, School Readiness, Evaluation Methods, Young Children, Questionnaires, Community Needs, Delphi Technique, Needs Assessment, Surveys, Childhood Needs, Intervention, Early Intervention, Early Childhood Education
Clearinghouse on Early Education and Parenting, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 51 Gerty Drive, Champaign, IL 61820. Tel: 877-275-3227; Tel: 217-333-1386; Fax: 217-244-7732; e-mail: ecrp@uiuc.edu; Web site: http://ecrp.uiuc.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A