Pre-K 4

Pre-K 4 Childcare Program

Preschool children are continuing to explode with expanding interests. Preschool is just as it sounds... PRE-SCHOOL: the period that precedes the serious business of formal schooling. It is a time of enormous educational strides in language and conceptual thinking, and in the development of self and social skills. Preschool is also a time when parents and society begin to look at children differently, looking toward elementary school and beyond to cultivate future students and citizens. Preschool is our time to prepare your child for their upcoming future. Excellence in preschool education is about balancing the present needs and goals of the children with what is to come. Our program is designed to align preschool program goals and practices with families' expectations of educational excellence in preparation for academic success. Each child is expected to learn all of the necessary skills and understandings to succeed in kindergarten and to continue to thrive academically. At the same time, we remember that these children still need the individual love and attention to provide a strong emotional, social, and spiritual foundation. The preschool program offers a rich variety of projects and activities that build upon established foundations for learning while focusing on advancing language ability, mathematical reasoning, and scientific thought. Children develop independently and in small groups. Learning centers offer guided experiences that encompass all the skills and understanding necessary for optimum development and academic success.

Classroom

The Pre-K classroom is designed to meet and exceed all recommendations for the Early Childhood Rating Scale (ECERS). The Pre-K learning environment is based on both the learning centers which are planned and teacher directed as well as activities that allow for child choice, self-directed play, and small groups. The Pre-K environment recognizes the need for movement and sensory exploration. Learning centers offer guided experiences that encompass all the skills and understandings necessary for optimum development and success in school. Typical centers may include:

Throughout the day, children make self-directed and guided choices, participate in small groups and projects, and join in circle times with the whole group. Teachers expand on concepts to help the children gain new ideas and understanding. The children work each week to expand vocabulary and written language through a small words book, group interaction, and individual instruction. Center time will empower the children to make their own decisions on activities and interactions with their friends. The children will also be able to begin voting to make important decisions for their classroom to build a sense of community.

Mastering Self Help

The Pre-K class is now working on mastering self help skills. They regularly help with classroom routines such as setting tables, preparing for nap time, cleaning the classroom, dressing themselves, and working together for a common goal. Pre-K children are able to regulate their decisions and actions and understand the natural consequences of such.

Communication

Documenting and communicating the daily milestones for each child remains of utmost importance for the children in the Pre-K classroom. Every week the parents will receive a newsletter describing the upcoming activities, theme, goals, notices, and information regarding the classroom lesson plans. The teachers will also provide information each day about the theme and activities, the bible verse, what your child ate, how they slept, and what to ask your child about to help them to share about their day with you. The daily sheet will include information about any specific behavior or needs that your child may have. Teachers will also communicate information about your child's progress and evaluations. Observations and evaluations will be logged and shared with each parent during routine parent teacher conferences. Teachers and administration are also always available to schedule a time to meet with parents should any concerns arise.

Program Qualification

Universal Pre-K has been implemented in the state of West Virginia through Policy 2525. Pre-K 4 is not mandatory and runs as a state funded part time program. Due to the growing need for many families to have full time care for their children, the state contracts many of these classrooms to private facilities. Place of Grace currently collaborates with Monongalia County Schools for a full time preschool program. Monongalia County Schools reimburses Place of Grace directly for a portion of each day, which allow us to offer a reduced tuition rate for these children during the school year. All students must be 4 years of age by August 31st of that school year to qualify for the program. Enrollment will be opened to all current clients in February of the year prior to entering the program. Enrollment will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Families that have committed to attend Place of Grace will not be permitted to add their child to any other Monongalia County Pre-K list. Any remaining spots would be opened up to the community wait list. Once a child is accepted in to the classroom, all documentation required by state law must be submitted to ensure retention of the spot. All observations, report cards, parent teacher conferences, and screenings will be offered to these students, just as those in a public school. This class will also be allowed 3 field trips via county buses. Our Pre-K classroom also continues to offer our traditional foreign languages, Christian curriculum, and special activities as the rest of the center would.