The DeKalb County Community Foundation is excited to announce the distribution of 1,015 Kindergarten Readiness Toolkits to schools throughout DeKalb County. Toolkits were distributed to the following schools and school districts:

• • Early Learning and Development Center – DeKalb
  • Genoa-Kingston School District – Kingston Elementary School
  • Hiawatha Elementary School
  • Hinckley-Big Rock Elementary School
  • Indian Creek Elementary School
  • NIU-Child Development and Family Center – DeKalb
  • Sandwich School District-Woodbury Elementary School
  • Somonauk CUSD #432
  • St. Mary School – DeKalb
  • St. Mary Catholic School – Sycamore
  • Sycamore School District #427

The toolkits provide families with resources and activities that promote learning and development by equipping parents and caregivers with essential tools that help foster an environment where children can thrive. Each toolkit provides a comprehensive learning experience. Contents include:

• • A book to foster a love for reading
  • A dry-erase board with a marker for interactive learning
  • Flashcards with a social-emotional learning element for emotional intelligence
  • An easy-grip pencil for early writing skills
  • Dice for counting
  • Scissors for fine motor skills
  • Play-Doh for sensory play
  • Crayons for creativity
  • A Farm Matching Memory Game for cognitive development

Since the grant program’s creation, over 6,000 DeKalb County children have received a toolkit. The program aims to help families prepare for the pre-k to kindergarten transition. The grant program’s success is a testament to the power of local partnerships, including generous donors, School Tool Box, the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, and the DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children.

The toolkit grant program originated as part of the DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children (CYC), which consists of organizations, schools, and community members who serve young children and families throughout the county. The DeKalb County Regional Office of Education oversees the CYC, and the Community Foundation is a proud partner and funder. Toolkits are made possible through donor generosity to CommunityWorks Funds at the Foundation.

Join us in supplying a Kindergarten Readiness Toolkit ($11 each) to DeKalb County’s kids. For example, your $110 donation puts 10 toolkits into the hands of children as they prepare to begin this important step in their education. Donate online or by check to the DeKalb County Community Foundation – 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178—memo: Kindergarten Readiness Toolkits.