Connie's Kidz in Lockhart is among more than 1,700 pre-kindergarten classrooms receiving the 2010-2011 “Texas School Ready!” certification in the state of Texas. This TSR! Certification was earned by following the performance of students who were in pre-kindergarten in the 2008-2009 school year and proving that the students were prepared with the fundamental early reading and social development skills needed to be successful in kindergarten.

(Photo taken by Cash Ply, from left: Jacqueline Porter-Austin ISD EC Director,
Connie Amaya-Connie's Kidz Director/Owner, Glenda Overfelt-Child, Inc. Director)

"Strong pre-kindergarten programs help get at-risk children off to a good start and improve their chances for success throughout their school career. This certification can be used by parents to quickly identify programs that are effectively preparing children for kindergarten," said Texas Commissioner of Education Robert Scott.

Texas School Ready! is funded by a contract from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and operated by the Children's Learning Institute at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Teachers serving in classrooms in both public pre-kindergarten and private and non-profit pre-schools and child care centers participate in the Texas School Ready! program. Information from the teachers and data from TEA are examined to assess students' skills after they advance to kindergarten.
This year, 71 percent of eligible school district classrooms, 54 percent of eligible Head Start classrooms and 54 percent of eligible licensed childcare providers were certified. Eligible providers are those that participate in TEA-funded early childhood grant programs.