Franklin Township Schools Full Day Preschool Program

Program Locations Conerly Road School Elizabeth Avenue School (One Section located at FHS) Franklin Park School Hillcrest School MacAfee Road School Pine Grove Manor School

Program Requirements Franklin Township Resident The parent/guardian will need a photo ID and proof of address. Acceptable forms of proof can be found on the District’s website. Students must be 4 years of age by 10/31/2017 An original birth certificate or valid Passport is required. Proof of all up to date immunization records. Student must be toilet trained.

Program Overview 6.25 hours 9:05 A.M. - 3:20 P.M. 18 Students per class Highly Qualified Teachers Instructional Aides

Curriculum HighScope Curriculum NJ Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards

The HighScope Curriculum The HighScope curriculum is designed to address the needs of preschool students with varying degrees of developmental readiness. HighScope optimizes opportunities for students to learn and grow from one another’s strengths.

Why HighScope? Looking at HighScope research outcomes, the best appraisal of why the HighScope curriculum works is this: The growth of children’s initiative and positive social dispositions in an active learning early-childhood setting can positively affect preschoolers’ subsequent development and adult performance.

HighScope Curriculum Content Approaches to Learning Initiative Planning Engagement Problem Solving Use of Resources Reflection

HighScope Curriculum Content B. Social and Emotional Development Self Identity Sense of Competence Emotions Empathy Community Building Relationships Cooperative Play Moral Development Conflict Resolution

HighScope Curriculum Content C. Physical Development and Health Gross Motor Skills Fine Motor Skills Body Awareness Personal Care Healthy Behavior

HighScope Curriculum Content D. Language, Literacy, and Communication Comprehension Speaking Vocabulary Phonological Awareness

HighScope Curriculum Content D. Language, Literacy and Communication Alphabetic Knowledge Reading Concepts About Print Book Knowledge Writing English Language learning

HighScope Curriculum Content E. Mathematics Number Words and Symbols Counting Part-Whole Relationships Shapes Spatial Awareness Measuring Unit Patterns Data Analysis

HighScope Curriculum Content F. Creative Arts Art Music Movement Pretend Play Appreciating the Arts

HighScope Curriculum Content G. Science and Technology Observing Classifying Experimenting Predicting Drawing Conclusions Communicating Ideas Natural and Physical World Tools and Technology

HighScope Curriculum Content H. Social Studies Diversity Community Roles Decision Making Geography History Ecology

Language Arts & Literacy The district has conducted an independent study of children who attended the District’s preschool program as opposed to those who have not. The children who attended preschool have shown greater progress in these subject areas. Language Arts & Literacy Concepts of Print Letter Identification Sound Identification Mathematics Problem Solving Number Awareness Algebraic Thinking

Preschool Assessment Tools COR Advantage (HighScope) Anecdotal Notes Writing Samples Cutting Samples Individual Portfolios Standards Based Report Cards

The Daily Routine Components Plan-do-review sequence (planning time, work time, recall time)-This three part sequence is unique to the HighScope Curriculum. It includes a 10-to-15 minute period during which children plan what they want to do during work time (the area to visit, materials to use, and friends to play with); a 40-to-60 minute work time for children to carry out their plans (or shift to new activities that interest them); and another 10-to-15 minute period for reviewing and recalling with an adult or other children what they’ve done and learned.

The Daily Routine Components Small group time – During this time, a small group of children meet with an adult to experiment with materials, try out new skills, and solve problems. Adults develop a small-group activity based on children’s interests and particular skills, materials or content areas that suit children’s developmental learning needs. Though the adult plans the activity and sets it in motion, children make choices about how to use the materials and freely communicate their ideas.

The Daily Routine Components Large group time – Large group time builds a sense of community. Up to 18 children and two adults come together for movement and music activities, interactive storytelling, and other shared experiences. Children have many opportunities to make choices and play the role of leader.

The Daily Routine Components Outside time – Children and adults spend at least 30 minutes outside every day, enjoying vigorous and often noisy play in the fresh air. Transition times – Transitions are the minutes between other blocks of the day, as well as arrival and departure times. Teachers plan meaningful learning experiences for these times, which keeps children engaged and minimizes disruption.

The Daily Routine Components Eating and resting times – Meals and snacks allow children to enjoy eating healthy food in a supportive social setting. Rest is for napping or quiet, solitary activities. Since both activities happen at home as well as school, adults in HighScope programs try to respect family customs at these times as much as possible.

Language The Franklin Township Preschool Program immerses children in language throughout the day. Language development is essential to a child’s development. Teachers and teaching assistants utilize every opportunity to engage students in meaningful conversation. Students are encouraged to use words to communicate with each other as well as the staff during all activities within their the school day.

Parent Involvement The family’s role is one of the most important components of our preschool program. To encourage parent involvement and follow through at home, teachers send home weekly newsletters to keep parents updated on classroom activities and concepts being taught. We offer parent workshops and encourage all parents to join their school’s Parent Teacher Organization.

Tuition Information The Board of Education has approved a tuition rate of $590 per month with the first payment due upon acceptance of a seat in the program. The second tuition payment will be due in August.

Tuition Information Payments will continue monthly through April of 2018. More information about tuition, the payment process, as well as a tuition waiver form, is available on the District’s website and will be sent home with your commitment letter.

Contact Information Kathleen Damore - Preschool Coordinator – 732-297-3427 @241 Emily Gaddy – CARE & Registration