Hillsborough Program Focuses On Teaching Kids Throughout Summer

TAMPA, FL — On Wednesday, the first day of summer, a Tampa Bay nonprofit launched a campaign to share top tips for parents to get their kids ready to start school this fall.

Because “learning doesn’t get a summer break,” the Brain Building Summer campaign will equip childcare centers with printable handouts for parents, shareable graphics for social media and a video packed with tips called “60 Seconds to Build Your Brain.”

The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County will share the campaign with more than 100 preschools and childcare centers, reaching thousands of families.

Based on state data, 50 percent of children in the Tampa Bay area are considered “not ready for kindergarten,” lacking key basic skills in areas like letter sounds and number counting that they need to succeed when they start school right after this summer ends.

“Every child deserves a strong start in life, and that includes a strong foundation of early learning,” said Dr. Fred Hicks, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County.

The organization works to ensure children from birth to age 5 have access to high quality, affordable education.

“With Brain Building Summer, we hope to empower families with the knowledge they need to make the most of this critical time in their child's development," Hicks said.

Children who are ready for kindergarten are more likely to graduate from high school, earn higher incomes, be healthier adults and stay out of the criminal justice system.

A state assessment is done when a student starts kindergarten to determine their readiness level.

Brain Building Summer Tips

The campaign focuses on key points, which families can use to make sure this summer helps prepare their child for kindergarten:

• Most brain building happens before age 5.
• About 90 percent of a child’s brain development happens before age 5, so learning can’t stop when the school bell rings or the month changes.
• Keep routines going in your home, especially for playtime, meal times and reading time.
• Playtime is learning time.
• Children learn through active play, so don’t let that disappear over the summer.
• Go to the park, sign up for summer camps or have play dates with friends.
• Don’t just “sit and get” from a TV or tablet.
• Young children learn using all their senses, so make sure they’re touching, talking, moving and asking questions.
• Set aside screen-free time and practice rolling a ball, building with blocks or singing a song.

Here is a county-by-county look for Tampa Bay from the Florida Department of Education at where kindergarten readiness stands:

• Hernando 49 percent
• Hillsborough 48 percent
• Pasco 53 percent
• Pinellas 60 percent
• Polk 41 percent
• Tampa Bay 50 percent

Families can catch Brain Building Summer tips, along with easy family activities and learning ideas on the ELC's website or visit the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County Facebook page.