Title I

Title I is a federally funded program that provides assistance to children in the development of basic skills. The primary focus of the Title I program in Washington County is early intervention for school success.

Through Title I, preschool services are provided for four-year-old, at-risk children. The full-day, five-day per week program prepares children for later school success by providing instruction in basic kindergarten readiness skills. Preschool classrooms in each Title I school serve sixteen children, and are staffed by a certified teacher and instructional assistant.

Reading Recovery, a reading intervention program for first grade students, is also provided through Title I funding. This program is based on a reading theory that emphasizes reading for meaning, and is designed to help struggling readers learn strategies that will enable them to become more independent readers. Children who are selected to participate receive 30 minutes of daily one-on-one instruction, for a period of up to 20 weeks.

The Kindergarten Intervention program is designed to provide students with extra help in the development of pre-reading skills. Children are served either one-on-one, or in groups of five or fewer.

Parental involvement is a major component of the Title I program. The school division maintains an active Parent Resource Center with a certified teacher on staff. The center is open every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Both the day and evening hours allow parents and children to use the center's computer lab, and/or check out materials and equipment for home use.