Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative (KRC) - Early Child Care Programs

Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative (KRC) - Early Child Care Programs

Overview: 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:

$250 for Center Enrollment Completion (by deadline, issued November 2025)

$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

Training Locations & Schedule (2025-2026):

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