PROGRAM BENEFITS

For Children

There are several ways your child can participate in Ready Set Go…to Kindergarten (RSG).

First, your child can enroll in one of the early childhood education programs that are part of RSG. Participation in high-quality early education program can:

  • Significantly improve early literacy, language, and math skills

  • Improve student performance on third-grade tests

  • Reduce the number of children held back in school by up to 36 percent

  • Reduce the need for special education by up to 49 percent

Also available are community events and programs sponsored by RSG. This includes the 1,000 Book Reading Challenge at the Elyria Public Library, free preschool play groups, and developmental health screenings. Contact us at jpiazza-king@horizonohio.org for more details.

RSG also provides a connection to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Elyria!

What Is It?

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a 60-volume set of books beginning with the children’s classic The Little Engine That Could. Each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child’s name directly to your home. Best of all it is a FREE GIFT! There is no cost or obligation to your family because Ready Set Go…to Kindergarten covers all costs!

Who Is Eligible?

Preschool children ages birth to five who are residents of Elyria.

What Are My Responsibilities?

1. Be a resident of Elyria.

2. Submit an official registration form, completely filled out by a parent or guardian.  The form can be found here or email jpiazza-king@horizonohio.org for a copy of the registration form.  The form must be approved and on file with Ready Set Go…to Kindergarten.

3. Notify Ready Set Go…to Kindergarten any time your address changes. Books are mailed to the address listed on the official registration form. If the child’s address changes, you must contact RSG at rsginfo@horizonohio.org in order to continue receiving books.

4. Read with your child.

When Will I Receive the Books?

Eight to ten weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home and will continue until your child turns five or you move out of Elyria.

Entering kindergarten ready to learn prepares your child for life! Additionally, because of the improved communication between the early childhood education community and organizations such as the Elyria City School District, the transition process into kindergarten is easier for children and parents alike.

Questions?

Contact Ready Set Go…to Kindergarten at jpiazza-king@horizonohio.org or 440-420-2888.

For Early Childhood Education Providers

  • Free marketing

  • Recognition as an RSG Participant

  • Professional Development Opportunities

  • Technical Assistance to improve or maintain Step Up To Quality rating

  • Networking and collaboration opportunities with other education providers in Elyria

  • Free give aways and books provided at RSG meetings

For the Community, children who participate in quality early childhood education programs:

  • Have higher rates of employment as adults

  • Have higher earnings as adults

  • Have reduced participation in crime as adults

  • Have reduced rate of use of public assistance as adults

  • Finally, research shows the rate of return on investments in early childhood education is far greater than investments made in primary and secondary education