Applications are currently open for Kindergarten Readiness Toolkit Grants. Schools and school districts in DeKalb County, Illinois, are highly encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants include kindergarten teachers or other school professionals representing the entire kindergarten program. The application deadline is December 1, 2023. 

Toolkit grants support both public and private kindergarten programs located within the county. The Kindergarten Readiness Toolkit Grant program is made possible through generous donors who contribute to CommunityWorks Funds at the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

Applicants can apply for a Kindergarten Readiness Toolkit Grant online. For questions, please contact Community Engagement Director Teri Spartz at 815-748-5383 or t.spartz@dekalbccf.org.

“We estimate to distribute approximately 1,200 kindergarten readiness toolkits this year,” said Teri Spartz. “Together, with the Regional Office of Education and members of the DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children, we are working to provide children with a positive start to their educational journey.”

Each toolkit box includes a dry-erase board and marker, a book, crayons, scissors, a Farm Matching Game, Play-Doh, dice, and sidewalk chalk. These boxes provide opportunities for families to actively engage in preparing their young learners for the transition to kindergarten.

Parent surveys indicate that the whiteboard and marker are the most used items. Whiteboards are great for practicing writing letters and drawing shapes. The Farm Matching Game is also a popular item in the toolkit.

Local community partners actively participate in the toolkit’s contents and distribution. School Tool Box (DeKalb) sources materials, assembles, and assists with distribution. The DeKalb County Farm Bureau generously donates a Farm Matching Game to promote agriculture literacy and community engagement.

Anyone who would like to partner with the Foundation in providing Kindergarten Readiness Toolkits ($11 each) can donate online or by check to the DeKalb County Community Foundation – 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178 — memo: Kindergarten Readiness Toolkits.