Measuring Play and Progress in the Pre-K Classroom: An Interview with Shatania Clay Young

We are back with part two of our deep dive into early learning data, this time shifting our focus straight into the Pre-K classroom. In this episode, we chat with Shatania Clay Young, a director from the Office of Early Learning, to explore how teachers use observational assessments to capture valid academic and behavioral data while keeping play at the heart of instruction. We also unpack the Transition to Kindergarten report and discuss how strong Pre-K and K partnerships give elementary teachers valuable baseline insights during those first days of school. Tune in for a practical conversation on how early data can build a seamless bridge to kindergarten success. 

Resources from the episode:

• OEL:  Challenging Behavior Process

• NCDPI: Let’s Get Ready Guide 

• NDPI: NC ELI for Families

• TSG with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development Crosswalk

• TSG with NC Objective Course of Study for Kindergarten

• Transition Report Information

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Theme music by Enloe High School’s Andre Killian

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Contact us via our website or at datalit@wcpss.net

Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System