As everyone gears up for the new school year this fall, it’s crucial to engage with families to ensure a positive and seamless transition into kindergarten. This next session of the Kindergarten Matters series will delve into a range of strategies aimed at boosting kindergarten enrollment, prioritizing the health screenings and vaccinations necessary for children to start school, underlining the importance of daily attendance and fostering trusting relationships that form the bedrock of early academic success.  

Join us for an opportunity to hear from experts in the field who will share powerful insights on how best to prepare families, educators and administrators for the transition into kindergarten. Panelists from the U.S. Department of Education and from programs under the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will share valuable information and resources for ensuring that all children receive the support needed to bridge their educational journey into kindergarten. 

Attendees will hear from:   

• Swati Adarkar, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Learning, U.S. Department of Education 
• Kathleen Holmes, Senior Public Health Analyst, Let’s RISE Coordinator, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  
• Heidi Schumacher, MD FAAP, General Pediatrician, American Academy of Pediatrics Council on School Health
• Jill Sells, MD, FAAP, Physician and Partnerships Lead, “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” Program, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
• Chrisanne Gayl, Chief Strategy and Policy Officer, Trust for Learning, Moderator