SPARK Alliance Children Outperform Peers in Key Kindergarten Readiness Skills
Alliance, Ohio – New 2025 data reveals that children enrolled in the SPARK Alliance program are entering kindergarten better prepared than many of their peers across Stark County. According to the Transition Skills Summary (TSS) – a tool used in the spring before kindergarten to assess school readiness – SPARK participants consistently scored above county averages in every measured domain.
The TSS evaluates children across five critical areas: Approaches Toward Learning, Social Emotional Development, Language and Literacy, Cognition and General Knowledge, and Physical Health and Motor Development. In each category, SPARK Alliance children demonstrated stronger school readiness compared to the countywide average:
Approaches Toward Learning: 87% of SPARK children were “On Track,” compared to 71% countywide.
Social Emotional Development: 89% of SPARK children were “On Track,” versus 74% countywide.
Language and Literacy Development: 83% were “On Track” in SPARK, compared to 59% countywide.
Cognition and General Knowledge: 96% of SPARK students met expectations, exceeding the county average of 76%.
Physical Health and Motor Development: 94% of SPARK children were “On Track,” surpassing the county’s 84%.
“These results are more than just numbers – they reflect the dedication of families and early educators working together to ensure children have the strong start they deserve,” said Liz Hibbs, executive director of the Early Childhood Education Alliance (ECEA), which administers the SPARK program locally.
SPARK, which stands for Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids, is a free, in-home kindergarten readiness program designed to help children and families thrive during the critical early years. Trained SPARK parent partners work closely with families to build early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills through fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate activities.
As the county continues to recover from the disruptions of the pandemic, this data affirms what educators and families already know – SPARK and early education work; making a lifelong impact.
Families interested in enrolling in the SPARK program can contact the Early Childhood Education Alliance today at (330) 829-1234 ext. 1941 or email hibbsel@alliancecityschools.org.
