COCKE COUNTY CRADLE TO CAREER COALITION - C5

COUNTDOWN TO KINDERGARTEN

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    • Countdown to Kindergarten
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    • Vroom- a FREE resource
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    • About Third Grade Literacy
    • Third Graders Know...
    • Little Free Libraries of Cocke County- Map
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    • About Ready Graduates
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    • About Healthy Communities
    • Car Seat Safety
    • Garden of Eat'N Community Teaching Garden
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  • About Us
    • What is C5?
    • Who is C5?
    • Annual Community Reports
    • Join the Journey
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What is kindergarten (school) readiness?

​Kindergarten or school readiness is a measurement of the knowledge, skills and behaviors that enable children to participate and succeed when they begin school. This sets the stage for future learning and overall success. There are many different skills and behaviors your child learns during the preschool years that help a child to be ready for success in kindergarten. Did you know that the brain develops more in the first five years of life than at any other time? 

Getting ready for kindergarten is an exciting time for your child, and C5 is here to help make it easier for you. The year before kindergarten is important for understanding what your child should know when they start school. 

Our Countdown to Kindergarten (CDTK) program is designed for families with children (most are 4-year-olds) starting kindergarten in August 2025. Each month, we'll provide simple activities to help you know what skills are important for kindergarten readiness and to make learning fun for your child. 
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With CDTK, three skills are introduced each month from September through May. Download and print your monthly learning log and practice these skills with your child throughout the day. For example, you can practice finding letters in the grocery store and in the car while traveling. This is not scheduled homework- it’s finding fun ways to practice skills in the things you are doing every day. Remember the idea is making learning fun!

C5 and Empower Cocke County have worked over the past year completing the final touches to the LEAP (Learn, Empower, And Play) Center. The LEAP Center, located inside Empower Cocke County at 370 East Broadway in Classroom 4, is home to a monthly Countdown To Kindergarten Group. Up to 20 children and their caregivers meet for either a morning or evening session to prepare for the next month's activities. Morning sessions are held from 10 AM to 11 AM and evening sessions are from 6 PM to 7 PM. *NOTE: due to flood damage at our wonderful children's space at Empower Cocke County, the location for each month may change. Follow us on social media or reach out via email to confirm each month's location. ​
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Thank you so much for including C5 in your child’s educational journey! We do many exciting events in the community so take a moment to follow us on Facebook or Instagram at @cockecountyc5. Want to be involved in making decisions? We LOVE to have parents at our meetings to let us know what’s important to them with their child’s education. Scroll to the bottom and send us an email. 
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Sonya Greer, an East Tennessee author, meets kids on their level to show them the parts of the book. Using silly voices and asking questions about the pictures is an easy way to excite kids and make reading more fun! 


Want to learn more about becoming a C5 Partner? Join the Journey!


Director

Jennifer Ellison

Telephone

423-608-2845

Email

[email protected]
  • Home
  • School Readiness
    • Countdown to Kindergarten
    • Play & Learn Resources
    • Little Free Libraries of Cocke County- Map
    • Vroom- a FREE resource
  • Early Grade Success
    • About Third Grade Literacy
    • Third Graders Know...
    • Little Free Libraries of Cocke County- Map
  • Ready Graduate
    • About Ready Graduates
  • Healthy Communities
    • About Healthy Communities
    • Car Seat Safety
    • Garden of Eat'N Community Teaching Garden
    • Cocke County Food Resource Guide
    • Blessing Box and Food Pantry Map
  • About Us
    • What is C5?
    • Who is C5?
    • Annual Community Reports
    • Join the Journey
  • Donate