What's an ApSeed touchpad?
ApSeed helps at-risk preschool learners have fun while they learn with the Seedling. It's a custom-built touchpad proven to boost kindergarten readiness. Here's what makes the Seedling so unique:
- They are pre-loaded with state board-approved educational apps
- The apps feature games designed specifically to help preschool-aged children prepare for kindergarten
- These touchpads do not connect to the internet and they don’t have a camera – this makes them as safe as possible for young learners
Children have a great time learning while playing -- their families, caregivers, and ApSeed teams get to enjoy the add-on activities in the Readiness Kit to keep up the momentum as the kids learn:
- letters and sounds
- numbers
- shapes
- colors and more!
At ApSeed, we create and distribute the touchpad – free of charge – to any young learner, but especially to those in federally-sponsored Pre-K, Title 1, and Head Start programs or who are served by the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) supplemental nutrition program.
What’s a Readiness Kit?
A Readiness Kit is a backpack filled with supplies and tools to complement the Seedling. The Readiness Kit teaches skills not covered by the Seedling touchpad, such as scissor usage, building blocks, a book, and a whiteboard with markers.
From seed to sharing
ApSeed runs the entire touchpad production process, from manufacturing all the way to distribution:
Assembly & Configuration
Partners: A North Carolina-based nonprofit vocational program (Rowan Vocational Opportunities, Inc.) whose clients have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Seedling project provides meaningful job readiness skills.
Distribution
Partners: School superintendents, county health departments, ESL (English as a second language) staff, federal/state/local outreach programs, and the childcare community.
Training
ApSeed trains the partner teams to manage day-to-day Seedling troubleshooting and maintain consistent use.
Tutoring
ApSeed provides Readiness Tutors on-site at ApSeed partner locations for coaching, evaluation, and teacher support.
Data Gathering
ApSeed gathers non-identifiable data from partners and from families through automated outreach.
Ongoing Support
ApSeed supplements the Seedlings with Readiness Kits, containing fun activities and crafts to keep little hands busy and young minds active.
Plus, they send monthly text messages to caregivers with family-friendly ideas for engagement with the Seedling – and each other.