Pre-Kindergarten

What makes pre-school fun? What makes a child want to learn? It is a program that predominantly focuses on having teachers create deep-rooted bonds and trust with their students. Our safe and enriching program focuses on all aspects of creative learning.

The classroom is set up in educational centers in which children rotate throughout the day to help stimulate young, imaginative minds. Literacy is introduced with the letter of the week, creative writing, and circle time readings.

This program is broken down into categories such as academic introductions, small and large group activities, and learning centers. The academic introductions are group learning sessions where students are introduced to subject matter. Our small and large group activities help students apply what they have learned and focus on building individual comprehension.

Calendar time introduces them to the days of the week and the months of the year. Patterns, graphing, and simple math and science activities are included in the weekly program.

Music, movement, and playground times are a favorite part of each day. The children’s art is proudly displayed around the room. Fine motor skills are used daily as they participate in themed take-home projects. Their individuality is appreciated, and their achievements are applauded.

Positive discipline methods are used so the children do not feel singled out or embarrassed. Preparing these young minds for kindergarten is a primary goal of the teachers as they encourage verbal skills, teach self-help skills and promote self assurance.

Critical Thinking is the main focus of the second half of the pre-k school year. Children are introduced to the process of thinking through ideas and concepts.

Children are provided with breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack to keep their minds active while they enjoy exploring and learning in their classroom. They are encouraged to explore centers throughout the classroom, engage in activities that interest them, and build their social skills with other children in their class. Math, literacy, science, and communication skills are practiced every day in our classrooms. Our teachers assess each child’s development and hold parent-teacher conferences throughout the year to help guide planning, teaching, and partnerships with parents.

Items You Will Need

• At least two extra outfits – Including pants or shorts, shirts, and socks
• At least one blanket – To be taken home on Fridays to be washed
• At least two crib sheets – To be taken home on Fridays to be washed
• child safe scissors
• 12-24 pack crayons
• pencil box
• water bottle
• Googly eyes
• Playdough
• stick glue
• regular glue
• glitter
• backpack
• 2-inch mat
• Several family pictures
• Colored pencils
• Markers (pack of 6)
• Dry-erase markers (pack of 3)
• 1 ream of copy paper
• One pack of sharpened pencils
• journal (black/white composition notebook)
• One plain plastic folder
• wipes (one pack)
• Tissues (one box)

Developmental Milestones for Pre-Kindergarten (4-5 Year Olds)

As we discussed on the developmental milestones main page, children develop in specific ways but at their own pace. Some of your young preschoolers may still be developing their younger preschool or already be developing their Kindergarten skills!

The list below, although not exhaustive, shows the key abilities and processes that can be reasonably expect from a 4-5 year old in seven developmental areas.

Social Development

• Asks for help when needed.
• Engages in cooperative play with small groups of children frequently.
• Gives attention to stories for 10-15 minutes.
• Says “please” and “thank you” without reminders.
• Joins in mealtime conversations.
• Initiates friendships with peers.
• Plays interactive games.
• Plays with peers with minimal conflict.
• Interacts with adults in a cooperative, socially appropriate manner.
• Asks permission to use items belonging to others.

Cognitive Development

• Makes suns, animals, trees, flowers, etc.
• Counts to 10 by rote.
• Names picture that has been hidden.
• Comprehends the concept of opposites.
• Works a 12-piece (or larger) puzzle.
• Draws a two-part (or 3-part) person.
• Counts four or more objects.
• Identifies four colors when named.
• Identifies shapes.
• Extends sentences logically.

Emotional Development

• Developing a sense of humor.
• Shows increasing levels of positive interactions and friendliness in small-group settings.
• Responds to a specific need/desire when expressed by another child.
• Verbalizes and is comfortable expressing a wider variety of emotions.
• Openly and warmly expresses affection to other children.
• Comforts other children.
• Is able to return to equilibrium after experiencing stress.
• Exhibits concern for fairness in what happens to others by sharing and/or taking turns.

Physical Development: Large/Gross Motor Skills

• Balances on one foot for 5-10 seconds.
• Jumps over a stationary rope held 6″ above the ground.
• Pedals a tricycle around obstacles and sharp corners.
• Catches a ball in hands, arms flexed.
• Hops around on one foot without support.
• Walks backward.
• Throws a ball with accuracy.

Physical Development: Small/Fine Motor Skills

• Holds paper in place with one hand while writing with the other.
• Cuts with scissors along a thick, straight line.
• Draws recognizable pictures.
• Draws or copies shapes.
• Laces shoes or lacing board.
• Cuts with scissors following a simple outline.

Communication and Language Development

• Follows 3-step directions without distraction.
• Demonstrates understanding of the difference between “is” and “is not” by pointing to objects.
• Uses possessive forms of nouns.
• Uses a series of conjunctions.
• Averages at least five-word sentences in conversations.
• Describes items and/or objects in books.
• Speech is clear and can be understood by others.

Creativity Development

• Assigns roles or takes assigned roles during play.
• Takes on characteristics and actions during role play.
• Uses language to create and sustain plots during play.
• Uses elaborate themes, ideas, and details during play

REMINDER
As with all milestones, remember that there can be a 6 to 8-month window with typical development. This means that children may exhibit skills 6 to 8 months before or after the age.