|
“Play is Child’s Work”
Young children are ready for everything. They are explorers and adventurers who soak up the world of knowledge with incredible speed. They learn best through their own play, by being read to, by acting out stories and fairy tales, by manipulating clay, paint brushes, finger paints, building blocks, and math materials. They need to be exposed to many different experiences.
From the book, YARDSTICKS Children in the Classroom Ages 4-14 , by Chip Wood.
Who is eligible for 4K ?
All children four years old, on or before Sept. 1 of the school year are eligible for 4K. If parents feel their five year old
is not ready for a full day of kindergarten, they may choose to send their child to 4K. Also children, ages 3-5 years old,
who have been evaluated and found to have an educationally handicapping condition are eligible.
How do I register my child for 4K?
Registration will be at the same time as Kindergarten registration, which is usually in February. Watch for announcements in the paper, the District Mirror, and Smoke Signals. A parent of an eligible child will need to come into school and fill out the appropriate forms.
What comes after 4K?
After your child finishes the 4K program, they will attend Kindergarten the next year. Parents and the teacher may decide that another year of 4K would be best for the child’s education.
What supplies does my child need for school?
1 regular or large sized school bag (labeled), be sure it fits a
9-1/2” x 12” folder
8 glue sticks to start the year, more will be needed throughout
the year
1 box of 8 crayons - big size crayons preferred
1 pair of scissors - Fiskars preferred
1 large box of tissues
1 small school supply box
1 folding rest mat – 1” thick
*other items will be asked for on an as needed basis
What immunizations will my child need?
4 DTP/DT 3 Polio 1 MMR
3 Hep B 1 Var
How should my child dress for school?
We believe in a hands-on approach to learning; therefore, please dress your child in clothing appropriate for messy activities.
Always have your child dressed suitably for the weather. Help your child by having boots and outer clothing that are easy to put on; zippers that work, large buttons, or velcro.
LABEL ALL BELONGINGS, including jackets, boots, hats, mittens, school bag and all supplies.
When will my child attend school?
Classes will meet Monday through Thursday and one Friday a month. There will be a Monday/Wednesday or a Tuesday/Thursday session. The M/W class also meets the first Friday of each month. The Tu/Th class meets the second Friday of each month. Your child’s placement in the M/W or Tu/Th session will be determined by equal gender numbers, special needs and by equal class size.
The 4K program is not in session on the third and fourth Fridays. These days are reserved for the following:
* Parent workshops
* Home visits
* Evaluations
* Parent contacts
* Staff development
A calendar will be sent home monthly showing the schedule. We follow the same school calendar as the Auburndale School District.
How will I know if my child is making progress?
Each child develops at a different rate. We as teachers try to see each child as an individual. We use a report card for the 1st and 3rd quarters, and will be available for Parent/Teacher Conferences twice a year.
Throughout the year we will be keeping a portfolio on your child. The portfolio consists of examples of your child’s work from September through May. Some of the samples will be repeated in order to compare progress throughout the year. Your child will be able to share his/her portfolio with you throughout the year.
Do I need to send snacks with my child?
You will be asked to provide a snack for your child’s class approximately one time per month. Ideas for this snack are
listed below.
A box of crackers (any kind) Fruit snacks
A bag of trail mix A box of animal crackers
A package of bread sticks A box/bag of pretzels
A bag of popcorn A package of cookies
What should I do for my child’s birthday or summer birthday?
Birthdays or unbirthdays* are important events for young children. We encourage parents to make the day EXTRA special by sending a treat and joining us in the classroom, if possible. By sharing with their friends, they double their joy.
*Unbirthdays are assigned for those who have summer birthdays.
What if my child is sick?
Please call the school office (715-652-2812, ext. 301) by 9:00 a.m. if your child will not be attending school that day. When your child returns to school, please send a written note with them explaining their absence.
If there is no one getting on at your stop on any day, please call the bus garage (715-652-2412) or call a family that gets on before you and ask them to tell the driver. Please call after 6:30 a.m.
When and how should I communicate with my child’s teacher?
Communication between school and home is crucial to the education of your child. It is always good for a teacher to know if your child has had a bad morning or a hard time adjusting to a new situation (positive or negative) at home or school. In turn, the teacher will show the same courtesy to the parents.
Notes are usually the best way to communicate with your child’s teacher on a regular basis. Phone calls before or after school to give a quick message, are also good ways to communicate.
Please date and sign all notes and communications to teachers. A folder will be kept in your child’s schoolbag for notes and important information. Please check your child’s schoolbag every day after school.
Notify the school if you have a change of address or phone number.
How will I know if my child is making progress?
Each child develops at a different rate. We as teachers try to seeeach child as an individual. We do not use a conventional report card, but will be available for Parent/Teacher Conferences twice
a year.
Throughout the year we will be keeping a portfolio on your child. The portfolio consists of examples of your child’s work from September through May. Some of the samples will be repeated in order to compare progress throughout the year. Your child will be able to share his/her portfolio with you throughout the year.
How can I get involved in my child’s education?
The following are ways for you to get involved with your child’s 4K program.
* visiting the classroom
* volunteering in the classroom
* attending the parent/child activity days (these will be scheduled
on some Fridays throughout the year.)
* home visits
* parent/teacher conferences
* joining the class in special celebrations and activities
* read to your child everyday
* completing activities sent home periodically throughout the
school year
What other special activities will my child
participate in?
* visiting the library
* participating in school assemblies
* opportunities to order books monthly
What does the curriculum include?
Our curriculum contains developmentally appropriate activities for the young child based around thematic units. All activities are presented at the child’s level and are practiced and mastered individually.
What is a typical day like in 4K?
During a typical day in 4K, your child will be engaged in a variety of activities. When special school-wide programs are offered that are appropriate for 4K children, we will participate in these also. Here is a sample of what our day is like.
Opening: A whole group activity involving the calendar, weather, daily news, a story, and songs and rhymes.
Skills Work: Children work in small groups or one-on-one situations to develop skills in cognition and language.
Snack: Milk is provided by the school. A schedule will be included on the monthly calendars for the children to bring a snack.
Gross Motor Skills: These activities include outside play and classroom activities to strengthen and develop large muscle skills.
Unit Work: Activities related to our theme, usually involving fine motor skills and art.
Free Choice: The children are allowed to choose activities, games, or play materials within the classroom.
Closing: Large group activity involving recall of the day’s activities and songs or rhymes.
Please feel free to join us anytime! You may want to call ahead. (175-652-2812 ext. 314 or 330)
| 
