KBTC Helps Support Early Childhood Learning in Tacoma

 

Submitted by Bates Technical College

KBTC Early LearningKBTC Public Television announced that it will expand school readiness projects in the Tacoma, Wash., community with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and PBS. KBTC Public Television is one of 21 public television stations across the country to receive funding as part of the CPB-PBS Ready To Learn (RTL) Initiative.

With millions of children lacking the basic early math and literacy skills to succeed in school, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and PBS have joined forces through the Ready To Learn Initiative, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Education and Congress, to address this critical school readiness issue, particularly in low-income communities. The RTL Initiative uses multiplatform media and other learning tools – including television programs, interactive games, mobile apps, as well as hands-on activities – to engage and strengthen early learning experiences for children ages 2-8 at home, in preschool, and in other out of school settings.

KBTC Public Television will collaborate with the Tacoma Housing Authority, Tacoma Public Schools, and other Tacoma-based educational partners who serve children in school, after school, and throughout the summer. It will also provide training to local educators on how to use RTL multiplatform content, and to parents on how to engage their children in math and literacy activities at home.

“Research shows that early learning can help children succeed in school and in life, and the need is even greater for kids from low-income families” said Edward J. Ulman, General Manager of KBTC “With the additional funding from the Ready to Learn initiative, our KBTC community engagement staff and partners will extend resources to help families support early math and literacy learning for the kids in our community.”