P1351 KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS

BOARD POLICY:

USD 259 will operate kindergarten programs designed to provide developmentally appropriate experiences for kindergarten aged children as funds are available and approved by the Board of Education.

Administrative Implemental Procedures:

1.      The following programs are available at the kindergarten level:

a.       All day kindergarten

b.      Half day kindergarten

c.       All day kindergarten/first grade combination

d.      Extended day kindergarten

e.       Early childhood special education - Kindergarten ECSE-5

2.      The kindergarten curriculum will focus on experiences in learning to develop positive relationships with others and include experiences to develop the emerging abilities of each child.

3.      All kindergarten programs sponsored by USD 259 must be consistent with the developmentally appropriate philosophy and the overall philosophy of the school district. The primary focus of the kindergarten program is the socialization of the child into the school society through informal, meaningful, hands-on experiences. The kindergarten curriculums must be coordinated to articulate with the K-12 programs in the district.

4.      The classroom teacher will be early childhood certificated or certificated with special training emphasis on young children from birth through eight years of age.

5.      Health record and immunization information for entering public schools for the first time will be required of all children in kindergarten classes.

6.      Each child must present a birth certificate indicating age five as of August 31.

7.      The school day will follow each building's daily time for pupils in all kindergarten programs, with the exception of the half-day kindergarten which will not be more than three and one-half hours in length. Classes will be limited to 25 pupils.

8.      Fees will be charged for kindergarten supplies and activities.

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

10.  Kindergarten 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: January 1995                                                                                       P1351