P1350 PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS

BOARD POLICY:

The Wichita Public Schools will operate prekindergarten programs designed to provide planned experiences for preschool aged children as funds are available and approved by the Board of Education.

Administrative Implemental Procedures:

1.      The prekindergarten curriculum will consist of developmentally appropriate experiences that provide each child with individual opportunities to develop positive self-esteem, social/emotional growth, language skills, motor development, and conceptual skill development.

2.      All prekindergarten programs sponsored by the Wichita Public Schools must be consistent with the overall philosophy of the school district, and the curriculums must be coordinated to articulate with the K-12 program in the district.

3.      The classroom teacher will be certificated with special training emphasis on young children.

4.      Health record information for entering public schools for the first time will be required of all children in prekindergarten classes.

5.      Each child must present a birth certificate indicating age four (4) as of August 31.

6.      School day will range from 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes per day, depending upon specific program funding requirements.

7.      Class size will range from 15 to 22 children with a teacher and instructional paraprofessional for classes serving 18 or more.

8.      Fees will not be charged for prekindergarten supplies in BOE or Title 1 funded programs.

9.      Programs will provide parents with opportunities to be involved in the educational experiences of their children to serve as part of the educational teams at school, at home, and in the community.

10.  Prekindergarten classrooms may serve as laboratories for training teachers in cooperative agreements with colleges, universities, and other institutions.

11.  Opportunities may be provided for high school pupils to participate in laboratory experiences to enhance their understandings of child development and early childhood education, and to provide for future child rearing and career exploration.

Administrative Responsibility: Early Childhood Education

Latest Revision Date: March 1999

Previous Revision Date: September 1997                                                                                  P1350