Focusing on the Pre-K-3 early learning continuum is crucial

principals-NAESPProviding personalized learning environments and ensuring developmentally-appropriate teaching are just two of six competencies principals need to support teaching and learning during the transition from birth and preschool to grades K-3.

The competencies come from Leading Pre-K-3 Learning Communities, a report from the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and are an attempt to show principals and policymakers how much children benefit from education and learning from age 3 through the third grade. In order to take full advantage of this rich learning window, principals must focus on closing academic and opportunity gaps.

Child development in the Pre-K years must also be highlighted moving forward. “By bringing Pre-K expectations in line with those in kindergarten and the early school years, principals provide a coherent, related set of developmentally-appropriate experiences during the first critical years of schooling,” according to the report.

(Next page: Six competencies for Pre-K-3 principals)