TSR is a comprehensive early childhood teacher training program that combines a research-based, state-adopted curriculum with ongoing professional development and progress monitoring tools. Its goal is to help children of all ages prepare to enter school by positively impacting the early learning experiences and environments of the most academically at-risk children.

AC has partnered with the Children’s Learning Institute at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston to implement Texas School Ready, in two-year cycles, since the project’s inception in 2003.

Although previously focused solely on pre-k classrooms, TSR will now implement a birth-to-five model that offers opportunities for preschool, as well as infant and toddler classrooms based on the community’s needs. In addition, TSR will continue to serve local childcares in Amarillo/Canyon through face-to-face coaching as well as rural childcares outside of Amarillo through remote coaching.

AC will receive funding of $577,000 to support staff who will guide TSR programs in the Panhandle over the next two years by providing professional development, coaching, child progress monitoring and classroom curriculum materials.

Currently as lead agent, AC serves 25 childcare centers, Head Start programs and school district classrooms throughout the Panhandle. As a result, approximately 650 children receive enhanced educational services per year.

“Texas School Ready is an initiative that has been proven to improve school readiness, and Amarillo College is pleased to be able to help provide these valuable services to the youngest learners in our area,” Rochelle Fouts, program coordinator of AC’s Education Department, said.