Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative (KRC) - Early Child Care Programs

A comprehensive program designed to help early childcare centers and family child care homes support children's kindergarten readiness through coaching, training, and financial incentives.

Geographic Scope: Franklin County, Ohio (Central Ohio)

Focus Areas:

• Kindergarten readiness preparation for children ages 3-5
• Teacher professional development
• Early childhood assessment and screening
• Phonemic awareness and literacy instruction
• Social-emotional development

Eligibility:

• Licensed early childcare centers and family child care homes in Franklin County
• Currently enrolling for 2026-2027 cohort
• Children must be 3-5 years old (3 years old by September 30, 2025)
• Children aged 4 or 5 cannot participate if attending kindergarten in Fall 2025

What is Provided:

• Generous cash incentives for enrollment and participation
• Monthly in-person teacher workshops (October 2025 - May 2026)
• Substitute teacher funding for workshop attendance
• Personalized coaching from KRC support staff
• Franklin County RISE team support
• Free curriculum resources: Heggerty® Phonemic Awareness, Read It Again!® Social-Emotional curriculum, Khan Academy Kids®
• Free screening tools: BRIGANCE® and The Reading House® screeners
• Free Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials through Columbus State Community College (up to 20 teachers/staff per term)
  • Full tuition, books, and materials covered
  • 3 courses spread over 3 terms
  • 8-10 weeks per term
  • Meets once weekly, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (virtual and in-person)

Incentive Structure

Child Care Center (CCC) Directors:

• $500 for Child Enrollment (at least 80% of projection, issued November 2025)
• $80 per Screener Completion (up to 3 times per year, max $240 total)
• $125 for virtual Director's Meeting attendance (at least 80% attendance, issued 2 times per year, max $250 total)
• $120 for Child Attendance Submission (issued 2 times per year, max $240 total)

Family Child Care (FCC) Directors:

• $215 for Child Enrollment (at least 80% of projection, issued November 2025)
• $40 per Screener Completion (up to 3 times per year, max $120 total)
• $85 for virtual Director's Meeting attendance (at least 80% attendance, issued 2 times per year, max $170 total)
• $60 for Child Attendance Submission (issued 2 times per year, max $120 total)

Tax Implications: Compensation is reported to IRS; recipients required to complete W-9 and will receive 1099 form

Requirements:

• Teachers must attend at least 80% of in-person workshops
• Complete required tasks to receive compensation and advance to next year
• Participate in child screening and assessment activities

Returning Teachers:

• Group A (Tuesdays, 9:00-3:30) - CDCFC Mattie B James, 969 Crupper Ave, Columbus, OH 43229
• Group B (Tuesdays, 9:00-3:30) - CDCFC Mattie B James, 969 Crupper Ave, Columbus, OH 43229

New Teachers:

• Group C (Wednesdays, 9:00-3:30) - Hilltop Early Learning Center, 45 Clarendon Ave, Columbus, OH 43223
• Group D (Wednesdays, 9:00-3:30) - Hilltop Early Learning Center, 45 Clarendon Ave, Columbus, OH 43223
• Group E (Thursdays, 9:00-3:30) - Columbus Metropolitan Library Whitehall Location, 4445 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43213
• Group F (Thursdays, 9:00-3:30) - Columbus Metropolitan Library Whitehall Location, 4445 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43213

Contact for CDA Program:

• Dr. Vanisa Turney
• vanisa.turney@futurereadyfive.org

Organization Contact:

• Future Ready Five
• 215 N Front St., Ste 620
• Columbus, Ohio 43215
• Phone: 614-321-5884
• Email: info@futurereadyfive.org

Application Process

1. Interest Form: Complete the Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative Cohort 2026-2027 Interest Form (noted as live as of March 1, 2026)
2. CDA Program Enrollment (separate application):
   • Contact Dr. Vanisa Turney at vanisa.turney@futurereadyfive.org for enrollment information
   • Up to 20 teachers/staff eligible per Fall and Spring term
   • Must be currently involved in the Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative
3. Required Documentation:
   • W-9 form (required before receiving payment)
4. Ongoing Participation Requirements:
   • Attend at least 80% of monthly in-person workshops
   • Complete required tasks as specified
   • Submit screening completion documentation
   • Submit child attendance data
   • Participate in virtual director meetings (minimum 80% attendance)

Required Materials

• W-9 form
• Proof of child enrollment and attendance documentation
• Screener completion reports
• Director's meeting attendance records