DECA Proposed as Tool for Child Impact Goal
While kindergarten teachers agree general knowledge, language and literacy are keys to learning, social and emotional development and health are most important for being ready to learn.
The Devereaux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) Program can help improve social and emotional development in children preparing for school. With this in mind, the partners working on Child & Youth Development hope to put DECA to work in Pierce County.
WHY DECA?
DECA is a scientifically tested and nationally accepted system for improving school readiness. The program includes components for both child care staff and parents and is compatible with all developmentally appropriate curriculum.
The program measure attachment, initiative and self control and provides strategies for the child's environment that help improve those areas. Additionally, assessments help identify children that may need special services.
DECA is currently being used in Pierce County ECEAPs and Head Start and Early Head Start programs nationally.
United Way and it's partners hope to pilot test the program in a limited number of child care centers locally starting this fall. If results of the pilot are positive, the program will be implemented in more child care centers each year. Additionally, United Way will assist with funding of the program.
