What is Pre-Kindergarten?
The first priority of the Pre-Kindergarten program is to offer programming to children that need an extra boost before beginning kindergarten. This program is offered free of charge to qualifying children who reside within the Collinsville Unit 10 Community School District.
Who can be in Pre-Kindergarten?
A variety of factors are used to determine program placement. For example, some children may have speech problems or trouble with cutting. Some may be extremely shy or find it hard to get along with others. Skills of this type are important for success in kindergarten. Children may also be eligible if their families are facing situations that make it difficult to prepare them for school. Other children are enrolled if openings are available. There is no low-income requirement for this program.
How do I find out if my child is eligible for Pre-Kindergarten?
All children must participate in a screening process to be considered for Pre-K. Parents are encouraged to bring all 3 and 4 year old children to the Unit 10 Early Childhood Screening. For a screening appointment call 346-6305. An experienced team of early childhood professionals spends about 45 minutes working with each child to determine if the child is performing at his or her expected level. The vision and hearing of each child is also checked. The Early Childhood Screening is a valuable service offered free of charge that benefits all families in the Collinsville Unit 10 School District.
How are services provided?
The Pre-K program has classrooms in six elementary schools in the district. They are as follows: Webster, Renfro, Caseyville, Maryville, Twin Echo and Kreitner. Classes are half-day sessions with the exception of Kreitner School. Kreitner school offers two full-day classrooms, Monday thru Thursday. The full-day classrooms are restricted to those families living in the Kreitner school area. Call for current information on all class times. Parents are required to provide transportation to and from school for their Pre-K child.
Mission Statement
The Collinsville Pre-Kindergarten program believes that children learn best when:
* they are actively engaged in meaningful learning through free exploration and play
*Environments are appropriate for the children’s age and stage of development
* they are valued and celebrated
The program prepares children for success in Kindergarten and throughout life. Adults play a supportive role in creating an environment in which children feel welcome, safe and successful.
Curriculum
NAEYC Guidelines, the Creative Curriculum and the Illinois Early Learning Standards are the foundations of our preschool curriculum. Every classroom is unique just as every teacher and every group of children is unique. Lessons and activities are developed based on the needs of the children within the room. Different units may be studied in the classrooms but the same skills and areas of learning are being developed.
Areas of Learning and Skill Development
1. Language and Literacy (listening, pre-reading, writing and speaking)
2. Cognitive (mathematical and scientific thinking, social studies)
3. Physical (fine and gross motor, self-help, safety and health)
4. Social /Emotional (Interactions with others, Approach to Learning, Self control, Conflict Resolution, and Self-concept)
5. Creative/Fine Arts (experiences with music and art mediums)
Assessment:
The Pre-Kindergarten program uses work sampling as the assessment tool. Anecdotal records, examples of children’s work, Boehm testing, and developmental checklists are all used in assessment.
How do I find out more about Pre-K?
Call the Pre-Kindergarten office at 346-6305. The staff will be glad to tell you more about our program. It may be just what your child needs!
(618)
346-6305
