For Advocates

Many state and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, public school systems, libraries, child care programs, and others are working to ensure that all Maryland’s young children have nurturing experiences and arrive at school ready to succeed.

The core document guiding this collaborative, statewide effort is Achieving School Readiness: A 5-Year Action Agenda For Maryland developed in 2002.  
A progress report on the 5-Year Plan was issued in 2006.

Countdown to Kindergarten is designated as the entity to carry out the public engagement action agenda outlined in the 5-Year Plan. To fulfill this role, CTK conducts outreach to the media, elected officials, business leaders, parents, child care providers, and the general public. The popular booklet “Tips for Turning Everyday Activities into Learning Activities” is an element of the statewide outreach campaign. The overview of the Countdown to Kindergarten campaign describes the components of the campaign and major accomplishments to date.