Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is thrilled to announce that our Birth-5 home visiting program, led by Early Childhood Special Services Supervisor Meghan Shepard and her team, has been proudly recognized as a Parents as Teachers (PAT) Blue Ribbon Affiliate. This prestigious endorsement is a testament to their commitment to providing high-quality services to children and families in the community.
Earning the PAT Blue Ribbon Affiliate endorsement requires meeting rigorous quality standards, including all of the PAT Essential Requirements, Quality Standard #1, and at least 80% of the remaining Quality Standards. Through its exemplary performance, the Saginaw ISD program has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to excellence in early childhood education and parent engagement.
The team behind this success, comprising Meghan Shepard, Monica Medel, Elizabeth Williams, Julie Bank, and LeeAnn Harvey, has worked tirelessly to achieve this goal. Their collaborative efforts have not only met but exceeded the stringent criteria set for the endorsement, showcasing their skill and passion for early childhood education.
This national recognition of the Saginaw ISD's program assures current and potential funders, community organizations, and participants of the high quality and effectiveness of their services. Moreover, it increases the visibility of the program and demonstrates the team's commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of young children and their families.
Dr. Ericka Taylor, the Executive Director of Early Childhood at Saginaw ISD, expressed immense pride in the team's accomplishment. "The Early Childhood Department is honored and grateful to have Meghan Shepard leading our entire Birth-5 team, including Monica Medel, Elizabeth Williams, Julie Bank, and LeeAnn Harvey. This award is a small demonstration of our passion and commitment to providing high-quality home visitation services to families across Saginaw County," she said.
The PAT Blue Ribbon Affiliate endorsement is more than just a recognition for Saginaw ISD; it reflects the district's deep-rooted dedication to fostering early childhood education and supporting families. The Birth-5 home visiting program stands as a model of excellence, continually striving to enhance children's educational and developmental outcomes in the community.
ABOUT BIRTH-5
The Birth-5 program provides home visiting services to families with the mindset that parents are a child’s first teacher. The program’s goal is to ensure school readiness and that children enter preschool with the necessary tools for success. This program is available to families with children 5 years of age or younger, income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, or children enrolled in Early On services located within Saginaw County (excluding the City of Saginaw).
To learn more, contact Meghan Shepard by emailing mshepard@sisd.cc, Early Childhood Special Services Supervisor, or calling (989) 249-8712.
ABOUT SAGINAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is an educational service agency that provides effective and innovative leadership, services, resources, and programs throughout Saginaw County. Saginaw ISD provides career and technical education, early childhood, finance, human resources, instruction, pupil accounting, special education, technology, and transportation services. In addition, Saginaw ISD operates multiple educational programs to meet the unique needs of students ages birth to 26 across Saginaw County, including: Hartley Outdoor Education Center, Head Start/Early Head Start and Great Start to Readiness Programs, Great Lakes Bay Early College, Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center School, and Special Education Center Programs.
Saginaw ISD serves 12 local school districts, five public school academies, and 22 non-public schools, with a total enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. Public school districts supported include: Birch Run Area Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District, Carrollton Public Schools, Chesaning Union Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public School District, Merrill Community Schools, Saginaw Public School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, St. Charles Community Schools, and Swan Valley School District.
MEDIA CONTACT
For further inquiries, you may contact Chief of Staff Coty Kuschinsky at ckuschinsky@sisd.cc