Welcome To Pre-K! Introduce presenter and identify as the pre-k literacy facilitator, social worker or bi-lingual assistant Introduce principal and asst. principal if they have not already introduced themselves prior to the start of the show. Introduce teachers and teacher assistants (if they are present) and release them back to their classrooms (if this is what the teachers request). Introduce Spanish translator (who may or may not translate but actually take Spanish speaking parents to another location for ease of presentation and time constraints) Have participants refer to their Parent Handbook throughout the presentation.

The Goals of Pre-K To provide a rich, child-centered, literacy-focused learning environment. To ensure that all children in Mecklenburg County enter kindergarten ready to learn. To offer experiences that ensure children's learning of the academic, personal and interpersonal skills essential to school success. Read over and continue on to next slide REFER to Handbook page 3…

History of Pre-K Programs The program offers the following: Academic Curriculum Certified Teachers Parent involvement and commitment Currently Pre-K is offered in a variety of settings: Bright Beginnings: 48 Elementary Schools (175 Classrooms) North Carolina Pre-K: Child care centers (52 Classrooms) Presenter will mention a need was determined for the program almost ten years ago when looking to see how struggling students could be best assisted. Preventative steps to better equip children for school.

The First Days of School The Pre-Kindergarten Program begins on August 25-30, 2011, with home visits. Pre-K children begin school on a staggered schedule from August 31- September 2, 2011. The first full day of Pre-K is September 6, 2011. REFER to Handbook top of page 4

Our School Program School hours Children need to attend a full day of school each day. Regular attendance is expected. Following an absence, the parent sends a written note stating the reason for the absence. If a child is tardy, they will need to check in at the office to get a tardy slip. Parents will walk their children to class. Pre-K follows the CMS calendar, including bad weather days and student holidays. Refer to Handbook pages 4 and 5

Our Curriculum Opening the World of Learning, O.W.L., is our curriculum. The day consists of numerous activities designed with purposeful play. Activities include centers, small group instruction, large group instruction. We will have special celebrations throughout the year that relate to the books your child is reading in class but we do not put special emphasis on celebrating holidays. The program attempts to provide key experiences, especially in the areas of language and early literacy development, that lay the foundation for early school success. SWPL (songs, word play and letters), and morning meeting are some examples of daily activities. REFER to Handbook page 6 to see a sample schedule

Pre-Kindergarten Behavior Plan The Pre-Kindergarten Program is based on the belief that children learn self-discipline and behaviors that will result in cooperation, sharing, following directions, listening and showing respect for themselves and others. In Pre-K classrooms, this is accomplished by providing activities that encourage the development of these skills, and by modeling these skills for the children. Keeping children actively engaged in learning, combined with consistent rules and consequences for behavior helps to prevent discipline problems. REFER to Handbook page 7…

What About Food? Children can bring lunch from home or purchase lunch from school. If a parent wishes to celebrate a child’s birthday, they can send store- purchased items that can be given out during the lunch time. REFER to Handbook pages 8 and top of 9. Mention that parents will need to pay the full price for lunch until he/she is approved for free or reduced price lunch. This is not handled by the teacher but through the lunchroom manager. If a child brings lunch to school it needs to include food from each of the food groups. Soda and sweets should be avoided.

Clothing Parents are asked to send a complete change of clothes to school, i.e., bottom, top, socks, and underclothes. During the year, please provide a different outfit to reflect the changing season. REFER to Handbook page 9…

Student Health Emergency Procedures and First Aid Medication Illness or Sickness Refer to Handbook page 10…

Transportation Students who come to school by car must be walked to the classroom. Parents must make contact with the teacher or assistant. Children will only be released to the parent(s) or other persons authorized by the parent. A designated adult must wait for the child at the bus stop. If no one is there to receive the child, the driver will finish the bus route and then take the child back to the school to wait for their parents. The assistant principal can assist you with further bus transportation questions should you have any concerns. REFER to Handbook pages 11 and 12

Parent Involvement Requirements Home visits Home Reading - 100 books Parent Visits – at least 4 per year Parent & Teacher Conference All student information kept up-to-date Immunization Daily check of child’s book bag REFER to Handbook page 13 Home visits – teachers will be coming to your home to introduce themselves to your child and make an initial connection to them so the first day of school will be a smooth transition. Blue card – mention that 100 books need to be read by the end of the year and a book will come home with your child each evening. Please make sure you sign your full name on the blue card. Parent Visits – open house and the orientation will count as the first 2 needed. Parents will have numerous opportunities to visit the classroom, have lunch with the child, go on field trips, etc. to meet this requirement. Parent/Teacher Conference – we do not have a report card but this is an excellent time to meet with your child’s teacher to hear about the child’s progress and see if any concerns need to be addressed. Student information – please make sure you keep the teacher up-to-date with information – this is very necessary in case of an accident or illness. Book bag – checking it daily allows you to see your child’s work for the day, find out if the teacher has sent home further information, and determine which book your child has brought home to read for the evening.

Other Important Information Pre-K After School Program REFER to Handbook page 14…

Questions, Concerns?

Thank you for coming! We know that your child is going to have a great year. We look forward to working with you to help your child gain both academic and social skills that will be vital to their future.