Transitional Kindergarten

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a five day, half-day program designed for the older preschooler. These children will turn 5 years old by December 31st of that year. Children will benefint from a more challenging school experience that supports theri social and emotional growth. Additionally, five year olds who need another year to develop physically, socially, or academically prior to entering kindergarten and would benefit from an extra year of an early childhood program are eligible. The TK classroom serves as a bridge for children who, in essence, need the gift of time – time that is essential to absorb and express ideas, learn more about friendships, assert independence, and examine the world around them. This allows the children to become more confident as they move to the next level of academic achievement.

The curriculum is more structured and suitable for children with longer attention spans and more developed motor skills. A range of activities are provided that meet the needs of children at their level of development along the growth continuum. Pre-kindergarten skills are stressed, preparing the child for successful entrance into kindergarten. Activities in each unit help your child develop language, pre-reading, pre-writing, and pre-math skills appropriate to his or her stage of development. Classroom activities provide a balanced program of early childhood education that enables each child to grow at his or her own pace and develop a personal sense of accomplishment. Entrance into the TK class is through recommendation of your child’s existing teachers, informal assessment of the TK teachers, and input from the parent. Final approval is required by the W.E.E.

director.