The full toolkit is available for download in PDF format and in Microsoft Word format. See the table of contents below to download individual sections.

In this tool kit 

A. School boards and pre-k: Where do you start?

B. Establish a vision: The essential first step
      Toolbox

• What is pre-K?
• School board discussion guide
• Sample pre-k resolution

C. Review the research: Know what works
      Toolbox

•  Brochure: Many happy returns (pdf)
•  What does the research say?

D. Engage the community: Families, private providers, business, and civic leaders all have a stake in a comprehensive pre-k plan
      Toolbox

•  Getting the message out
• Sample memorandum of understanding

E. Take inventory: Find out what pre-k resources exist in your community; assess your community’s pre-k needs
      Toolbox

•  A sample district preschool survey

F. Design a program: One size does not fit all, plus there will be inevitable trade-offs
      Toolbox

•  Benefits and challenges of public/private partnerships
•  General governance models for school districts (CSBA tool kit)

G. Ensure quality: Pre-k benefits result from high-quality programs
      Toolbox

•  NIEER quality benchmarks
•  Head Start outcomes framework
•  Comparison of widely used quality indicators for early education programs

H. Secure funding: Find out what federal, state, and local funds may be available for pre-k
      Toolbox

•  States that use school funding formulas to fund pre-k
•  Federal funds that can be used for pre-k

I.   Be an advocate: Don’t go it alone; help to generate broader support for pre-k
      Toolbox

•  NSBA’s pre-k committee fact sheet

J.  From vision to reality: School boards have a vital role to play in pre-k
      Toolbox

•  Pre-k plan check list

K. Other resources

This toolkit is also available for sale in NSBA's online bookstore.