The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Preschool Bridging Model (PBM) Plus Program will be presented with a Golden Bell Award at the upcoming 35th annual California School Boards Association (CSBA) awards program. The highly respected Golden Bell Award will be presented at a ceremony during CSBA's Awards Luncheon at The Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco on December 14, 2014.
PBM Plus provides on-site coaching and team-teaching for private child care centers and family child care homes, enhancing the quality of child care for young children throughout Sacramento County.
"As a passionate supporter of preschool and the lifetime benefits it creates, I am extremely proud that our Preschool Bridging Model Plus program has won a Golden Bell," said Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon. "Preschool can make a dramatic difference in a child's life and we must continue to pursue innovative ways to deliver preschool for students."
First 5 Sacramento has funded SCOE's implementation of the Preschool Bridging Model since 2006. Starting as a pilot program in the Elk Grove Unified School District, PBM was expanded countywide in 2008 and has now provided direct services to over 400 family child care providers and child care centers in all 12 Sacramento County school districts. PBM has served more than 6,000 children since its inception.
"We believe the Preschool Bridging Model successes have confirmed that creating a mixed delivery system for preschool services in our county works," said County Board of Education President Brian M. Rivas. "The benefits of preschool for our children and for society are too strong to ignore."
The CSBA Golden Bell Awards promote excellence in education by recognizing outstanding programs in school districts and county offices of education throughout California. CSBA's goal is to contribute to the development and evaluation of curriculum, instruction, and support services. The awards program is held in conjunction with CSBA's Annual Education Conference.
This is the eighth Golden Bell Award SCOE has earned. CSBA previously recognized:
- Leadership Institute (2013)—collaboration with local districts to prepare aspiring education leaders
- U.S.A. Learns (2012)—online interactive English language learning website developed by IMS
- MOVE Project (2011)—program to improve functional mobility skills for children and adults with severe physical disabilities
- LINKS Program (2010)—career technical education model tailored to individual students' needs
- ROP Manufacturing Technology/Welding Program (2008)—career technical program located at the now-closed Carson Creek Jr./Sr. High School at the former Sacramento County Boys Ranch
- Outreach Construction Technology Program (1999)—career technical partnership with local businesses
- Linkage to Education (1992)—program for Juvenile Court Schools students
For additional information about PBM Plus, call (916) 228-2506.