Durham PreK Quality Subcommittee

The Quality Subcommittee for Durham PreK is a content-specific advisory committee established by the program's Governance Committee.

Vision

All Durham children, regardless or race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, are reading on grade-level by the end of third grade.

Mission

Expand opportunities for all 4-year-old children in Durham to attend high-quality early learning programs.

Charge

The Subcommittee studies the latest research and reviews program needs to develop quality standards and policies. The work of the subcommittee is submitted to the Durham PreK Governance Committee for approval. The quality recommendations from Durham's Community Early Education/Preschool Task Force report form the foundation of this subcommittee's work.

Work to Date

  • Developed Durham PreK's Family Engagement Standards
  • Currently researching strategies to support children with unique needs and challenging behaviors to ensure each classroom is effective in teaching children.
  • Future focus areas include curriculum and assessment, dual language learners and their families, culturally competent practices and children's social and emotional development needs.
  • Approved the Durham PreK Equity Plan with Priorities for SY21-22. Equity plan to be presented at May Governance meeting for review.

View the Quality Subcommittee's Standards of Participation here.

Members

Sheila Arias, MamásConPoder Campaign Associate for MomsRising

Leigh Bordley, Executive Director of Latino Educational Achievement Partnership

Linda Chappel, Ed.D., Senior Vice President of Triangle Area Child Care Resources and Referrals, Child Care Services Association

Cathy Collie-Robinson, Director/Instructor of Early Childhood Education at Durham Technical Community College

Wykeshia Glass, Ed.D., Department of Human Sciences Assistant Professor, North Carolina Central University

Brittany Gregory, Director of Programs, Durham's Partnership for Children

Monnie Griggs, MSA, Senior Director of Quality Enhancement Initiatives for Early Learning

Danielle Johnson, MPH, M.Ed, Executive Director, Durham's Partnership for Children

Jennifer Lacewell, Director, White Rock Child Development Center

Doré LaForett, Ph.D., Advanced Research Scientist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Senior Research Scientist, Child Trends

Emily McCormick, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Duke University

Beth Messersmith, MPA, NC Senior Campaign DIrector, MamàsConPoder, MomsRising

Melinda Rodriguez, Administrative Manager, Child Care Services Association

Katharine Smith, Durham Head Start, Families and Communities Rising

Darnella Warthen, M.S, MAT. Owner A New Beginning Early Care and Education Programs

Brenda Williamson, Ph.D., Division of Child Development and Early Education

Quality Subcommittee Meeting Agendas and Notes

2021
2020
2019
open

UPDATE: The Durham PreK Governance Committee voted on August 19, 2021 to waive parent fees for the 2021-2022 school year. The Durham PreK Application is still open! Click here to access the application information and materials.