4-Year-Old Kindergarten Community Approach (4KCA)
Benefits for the General Public
A 4K Community Approach (4KCA) is a partnership between a school district and a community provider (child care, Head Start, private school) to offer 4K within the community setting. 4KCA allows families options in providing quality care and education, regardless of ability or family income. This approach blends funding of public and private resources to distribute learning programs and resources community-wide more efficiently, and offers many benefits to children, families, schools, and communities.
Below are 5 highlights from Wisconsin Stories Highlighting the Unique Benefits of the 4K Community Approach or 54 Reasons to Implement the 4K Community Approach that identify how 4KCA benefits the general public. These were complied in 2013 through a series of interviews and surveys with 4K CA providers across Wisconsin.
- Avoided one size fits all and develop programs that fit unique needs of communities.
- Increased the options for early care and education for parents and employers.
- Built cohesive communities through business and community organizations partnering.
- Built strong and important links among school districts, 4K sites, and other community programs.
- Improved communication between community members supporting children and families.