The DeKalb County Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the distribution of 1,150 kindergarten readiness toolkits to children through the Kindergarten Readiness Toolkits grant program. Grants provided toolkits to children in every school district in DeKalb County. 

Each toolkit box includes a book, dry-erase board and marker, crayons, sidewalk chalk, scissors, Farm Matching Game, notebook, dice, play-doh, folders, and information on Basics DeKalb County. Toolkits are distributed to students and their families in the spring to ensure they have tools to promote active learning through play over the summer months. 

“The preschool students moving up to kindergarten get so excited to take home their very own kindergarten kit,” said Jenifer Young, Hiawatha preschool teacher. “The students are shown the kits at school, and I demonstrate how to use the materials. They walk out carrying their kits with huge smiles, excited to show their families.”

Over 5,000 children in DeKalb County have received a toolkit since the creation of the grant program, which aims to help families prepare for the pre-k to kindergarten transition. Toolkits are made possible through donor generosity to CommunityWorks Funds at the Foundation. This year, the toolkit grant program received a generous gift from Brian Bemis Toyota to provide 200 toolkits. Support from donors and the business community makes the program possible.

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.

“Kindergarten Readiness is a county-wide effort. It’s an investment in the education of our community and our next generation of leaders,” said Foundation Community Engagement Director Teri Spartz. “The toolkits excite children for kindergarten and give families fun activities to do together while actively preparing a child for kindergarten.” 

To donate to next year’s Kindergarten Readiness Toolkits or learn more about the grant program, please contact Teri Spartz at t.spartz@dekalbccf.org or 815-748-5383.