School Readiness Initiative (SRI)
Westside’s School Readiness Initiative services include workshops and activities that aim to increase preparedness of children 0 – 5 years of age and their families for kindergarten. The SRI program is funded by First 5 San Francisco, a program created through funds made possible by the California Children and Families Act of 1998—an act designed to provide, on a community-by-community basis, all children prenatal to five years of age with a comprehensive, integrated system of early childhood development services. Current research in brain development clearly indicates that the emotional, physical, and intellectual environment that a child is exposed to in the early years of life has a profound impact on how the brain is organized. The experiences a child has with respect to parents and caregivers significantly influence how a child will function in school and later in life.
SERVICES
Westside provides an array of services that increase the child’s and his/her family’s readiness for Kindergarten, including workshops on such topics as:
- Early reading skills
- Neighborhood safety
- Emotional readiness for school
- Social skills
- Nutrition
- Health education
The Westside SRI Team also conducts home visits and community events to raise awareness about the importance of preschool and to increase the knowledge about what our neighborhood schools have to offer.
STAFF
Our capable staff includes:
- Team Leader
- Childcare Worker
- Parent Liaison
REQUIREMENTS
Program participants must be residents of the Western Addition and attend a school that SRI provides services in.
REFERRALS
Referrals can be made by calling (415) 431-8252.
