Quick Access:

Kindergarten Program

(child must be 5 years old and no later than September 30, 2004)

The Kindergarten program of the Child Development and Family Center is a four-hour kindergarten, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, five days a week. Each day the children are given many opportunities to see how language, reading, and writing are all parts of communication. Children engage daily in activities focusing on language and literacy through meaningful experiences such as listening to and reading stories and poems, experimenting with reading and writing and participating in dramatic play. If weather and outdoor conditions permit, we will be outside twice a day.

Children are encouraged to problem solve with math concepts, to ask questions, and to be involved with scientific inquiry and discovery. The curriculum involves interaction with real objects while seeking solutions to concrete problems in math and science. The Kindergarten focuses on social skills to enable the children to address interpersonal problems, learn to cooperate, understand another person's point of view, and help and negotiate with other children and adults. Children also have opportunities to learn about the Plymouth community and the wider world through social studies explorations and through the Project Approach to learning.

Learning is integrated with appropriate participatory developmental activities that include, but are not limited to, music, art, cooperative games, cooking, blocks, and sensory exploration. Routines are followed, enabling children to enjoy learning in a positive self-concept. As in all of the Center programs, health and safety are priorities. A nutritious morning snack is provided and children bring in their own lunch. Milk is provided with lunch. Children are involved in cooking activities on frequent occasions, to learn about nutrition firsthand.

The Plymouth State University campus is rich in resources for the Kindergarten program. The children have many opportunities to participate on campus in music, art, and physical education activities. The children also go on frequent visits to the campus and local public libraries. Teachers work closely with parents to share learning activities and involve them in the Kindergarten environment.

Hours:	8:30 AM to 12:30 PM (including Lunch) Monday through Friday *Please note that children may come earlier than 8:30 but the kindergarten day does not officially begin until 8:30.
Ratio:	1 adult to 6 children
Group Size:	Up to 16 children
Note:	No child may stay at the Center longer than nine hours per day.