Summary of 2022 Results
Our initial plan for the 2022 Get Ready for School™ program year was to deliver a full in-person program. However, with the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, we had to amend our delivery plan. Our goal was to provide the children with as many opportunities as possible for in-person, in-class learning, with the contingency plan to support the children online if in-person classes were not possible. This model ensured that we were prepared to deliver this important program, to help mitigate the significant adverse impact the pandemic had on many young children.
- The program was offered in 19 sites (20 programs) across Waterloo Region.
- In total, 282 children were enrolled in the 2019 program.
- 267 children completed the full program.
- The program supported 126 English as a Second Language Learners (ESL)
- The program is designed with 44, 2-hour classes, for a total of 88 hours of instruction. On average, children attended the program for 38 days. However, this year, the children attended a shortened 32-class program in a classroom of their peers and were provided with materials to support online delivery, which also made it easier for parents to extend learning to home.
- Program Delivery Staff:
- 38 paid Instructors, 2 in-class Volunteers and 5 Placement Students supported the program.
Literacy Growth
- Letter Sounds: Letter-sound knowledge significantly improved from approximately 2 letters to 9 letters after program completion.
- Phonological Awareness: Improved ability to hear the sound parts in words and to segment the sound parts in words.
- Vocabulary Knowledge: Children knew more words and on average increased their vocabulary at a faster rate than their peer counterparts, with average post-test scores indicating a 6-month improvement in receptive vocabulary.
- 21% of children experienced 1-year’s vocabulary growth
Feedback from Parents
Parents were very positive about the program, instruction staff, the program activities, and the program materials. Many parents indicated their child:
- was better able to identify letter-sounds and was starting to read.
- demonstrated better social skills and ability to interact with peers and adults.
- showed improved speech and communication skills.
- felt more confident about the school setting and separating from a parent.
All parent respondents said they would tell a friend about the program.
For the full report, visit: GRFS2022 Executive Summary