May 19, 2016
Shown above, the reading nook in our prekindergarten classroom on CCRI's Liston Campus in Providence.
Applications for the state's Pre-K Lottery are available
Free prekindergarten now in 11 RI communities

The state's prekindergarten program, which now numbers 29 sites in 11 Rhode Island cities and towns, is accepting applications for its lottery. If you have a child who will be 4 years old on or by Sept. 1, and if you live in one of the 11 communities with a prekindergarten program, don't miss this opportunity for a free, high-quality Pre-K experience for your son or daughter.

Students for the 2016/17 school year will be chosen randomly in a lottery that will be held in early July. The deadline for applications is July 1. All residents of a community with a state Pre-K program are encouraged to apply regardless of income.

Ready to Learn Providence operates three of the Pre-K classrooms -- one in Providence and two in partnership with the Heritage Park YMCA Early Learning Center in Pawtucket.

Read more about the prekindergarten programs in Rhode Island and how to apply to those in your community.


      

Click here to apply online for the Prekindergarten Lottery

Click here for more information on the program and the lottery process, or to download applications in English and Spanish.



A tip of the hat
Congratulations to...

Evelyn Cross  (left), who volunteers her time to coordinate the child care we offer during our Mind in the Making classes. She was recognized for this work at the State House on April 11 in celebration of National Volunteer Week. She's shown here with Governor Raimondo (center) and Kristin Read, director of our AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps members assist Evelyn with the child care.


Tania Quezada (left), R2LP's director of family and community partnerships, who was recognized by the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children at its Early Childhood Conference on May 7. Tania received the Special Friend of Rhode Island's Children: Advocate Award. She is shown here with RIAEYC Director Lisa Hildebrand. Tania is a tireless champion for our youngest children. Among her other responsibilities at Ready to Learn, she oversees our Empowering Families program in the Providence Schools. Under her leadership we've brought Mind in the Making to more than 1,500 family members and school personnel.

Maura Pearce, Erin Murray and Khadija Lewis Khan (l-r), who were recognized on
April 14 for their support of T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® RI  at the 5th Annual Childcare Day at the State House. Maura is the director of T.E.A.C.H. RI, a program of Ready to Learn. This month, Erin will be the first T.E.A.C.H. scholar to receive a bachelor's degree from Rhode Island College with Pre-K to Grade 2 Certification. She teaches at the Four Corners Early Learning Center in Cumberland. Khadija, director of Beautiful Beginnings in Providence, has been a strong advocate for T.E.A.C.H. and has encouraged her staff to pursue degrees with T.E.A.C.H. scholarships.

     
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