What is the Program?  The ELC participates in the three year Partners in Education and Research for Kindergarten Success (PERKS) project.  The ultimate goal of this statewide, federally-funded research project is to determine whether or not professional development/technical assistance will improve the learning outcomes of preschool children.

Who’s Involved in the Program?  There are currently 14 VPK participating classrooms in Broward County receiving technical assistance through the Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) school readiness department. Their outcomes will be compared to classrooms receiving other types of technical assistance to determine which method is most effective.  Also involved is the Teacher Education And Compensation Helps (TEACH) Program and ELC Scholarships, which provide scholarship opportunities for people working in early care and education centers, family child care homes, and school-age care programs.  TEACH or ELC awards scholarships to each PERKS lead teacher to complete courses offered by local Colleges and Universities in implementing scientifically validated curricula along with observation and assessment techniques.

For More Information: Please call the Broward County Public Schools, School Readiness Department at 754-321-1952.