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Kentucky Standards Alignment

How Countdown2K aligns with Kentucky Early Childhood Standards

About This Alignment

Countdown2K is carefully designed to support Kentucky's Early Childhood Standards and help prepare children for success in kindergarten. This document shows how our 50-day countdown activities align with each developmental domain outlined in Kentucky's standards framework.

Standards reference: Kentucky Early Childhood Standards (2023) and JCPS Kindergarten Readiness Indicators

JCPS Kindergarten Readiness Indicators

Literacy

  • Recognizes letters
  • Writes first name
  • Identifies rhyming words
  • Demonstrates print awareness

Math

  • Counts to 20
  • Recognizes numbers 0-10
  • Identifies basic shapes
  • Sorts by attributes

Social-Emotional

  • Separates from caregiver
  • Follows classroom rules
  • Plays cooperatively
  • Expresses emotions appropriately

Motor Skills

  • Holds pencil correctly
  • Uses scissors
  • Manages personal belongings
  • Demonstrates self-help skills

Approaches to Learning

Kentucky Standards

  • ATL.1: Demonstrates curiosity, initiative, and risk-taking
  • ATL.2: Demonstrates self-direction and independence
  • ATL.3: Demonstrates creativity in thinking and use of materials
  • ATL.4: Demonstrates persistence and attentiveness

Countdown2K Activities

  • Daily countdown anticipation and excitement activities
  • Self-directed center exploration
  • Open-ended art and building projects
  • Multi-step activity completion

Language & Communication

Kentucky Standards

  • LC.1: Demonstrates receptive communication skills
  • LC.2: Demonstrates expressive communication skills
  • LC.3: Demonstrates understanding of vocabulary
  • LC.4: Demonstrates knowledge of the conventions of print and books

Countdown2K Activities

  • Following multi-step directions in activities
  • Retelling stories and sharing experiences
  • Daily vocabulary building through themed activities
  • Book handling and print awareness exercises

Literacy

Kentucky Standards

  • LIT.1: Demonstrates phonological awareness
  • LIT.2: Demonstrates alphabet knowledge
  • LIT.3: Demonstrates comprehension of text read aloud
  • LIT.4: Demonstrates emergent writing skills

Countdown2K Activities

  • Rhyming games and syllable clapping
  • Letter recognition and sound association activities
  • Story comprehension discussions and retelling
  • Name writing and emergent writing practice

Mathematics

Kentucky Standards

  • MA.1: Demonstrates number sense and an understanding of quantity
  • MA.2: Demonstrates knowledge of spatial relationships
  • MA.3: Demonstrates understanding of patterns and relationships
  • MA.4: Demonstrates understanding of measurement and data

Countdown2K Activities

  • Counting activities (1-20) and number recognition
  • Shape hunts and positional word practice
  • Pattern creation and extension activities
  • Comparing sizes and simple measurement

Science

Kentucky Standards

  • SC.1: Uses scientific inquiry skills
  • SC.2: Demonstrates knowledge of core scientific concepts
  • SC.3: Uses tools and technology to explore

Countdown2K Activities

  • Observation and prediction activities
  • Nature exploration and seasonal awareness
  • Simple tools use during activities

Social Studies

Kentucky Standards

  • SS.1: Demonstrates knowledge of self, family, and community
  • SS.2: Demonstrates knowledge of relationships and social roles
  • SS.3: Demonstrates awareness of economic concepts

Countdown2K Activities

  • Self-portrait and family activities
  • Community helper discussions
  • Sharing and trading activities

Arts & Humanities

Kentucky Standards

  • AH.1: Demonstrates knowledge of visual arts concepts
  • AH.2: Demonstrates knowledge of music concepts
  • AH.3: Demonstrates knowledge of dramatic play

Countdown2K Activities

  • Daily art projects with various materials
  • Songs and musical activities
  • Role-playing kindergarten scenarios

Physical Development & Health

Kentucky Standards

  • PH.1: Demonstrates fine motor skills
  • PH.2: Demonstrates gross motor skills
  • PH.3: Demonstrates health and safety awareness

Countdown2K Activities

  • Cutting, writing, and manipulation activities
  • Movement breaks and gross motor games
  • Self-help skills practice (zipping, buttoning)

Social & Emotional Development

Kentucky Standards

  • SE.1: Demonstrates self-awareness and self-concept
  • SE.2: Demonstrates self-regulation
  • SE.3: Demonstrates social relationships and interactions
  • SE.4: Demonstrates empathy and caring for others

Countdown2K Activities

  • Feelings identification activities
  • Calming strategies and self-control practice
  • Cooperative games and turn-taking
  • Kindness and helping activities

Implementation Notes for Kentucky Educators

  • Assessment: Use the Countdown2K Progress Reports to document growth aligned with Kentucky standards
  • Documentation: Activities support KIDS (Kentucky Inventory of Development Skills) documentation
  • Family Engagement: Parent templates align with Kentucky's family partnership requirements
  • Transition: 50-day format supports required kindergarten transition planning

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