4K Staff CLMGinger Bread House Deb Nygaard, Interim Director Denise Kuehl, Director Katie Schaaf and Beth Miller, 4K Becky Bierman, Heidi Robbins, Megan Richardson, Crystal Hauge, Laura Dupor, and Bekah Carr, 4K

Tonight’s Agenda Power Point Presentation Question/Answer Forum Turn in 4K Enrollment packets

4K Day Circle time Free choice time Snack Outside play/gym Project time Everyday Math Handwriting Without Tears Writing Pre reading Read Aloud Curriculum

Benefits of a Community-Based 4K program Works collaboratively with childcare providers Builds relationships and improves coordination with private preschools and childcares Improve and maintain high quality of childcare/preschool settings Meets the needs of working families in a more coordinated way

Early learning program supported by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) All classes are taught by a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pre-Kindergarten certified teacher. Tuition-free Community-based approach to 4K, meaning children are taught in collaborating sites. Some partner sites offer extended childcare. Parents are responsible for childcare costs beyond the 4K program.

Curriculum Aligned to the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. Domains: Social-Emotional, Language and Early Literacy, Mathematical Thinking, Scientific Thinking and Exploration, Communication, Self-Help Skills, Physical Development Focus on learning through play and active exploration Assessment Resources: Phonological Awareness of Literacy Screening (PALS-PreK) Progress reports are given to families 2x a year Parent-Teacher Conferences are held 2x a year

Professional Development Monthly opportunities for 4K teachers/directors Curriculum/Assessment Everyday Math training Handwriting Without Tears Balanced Literacy, Literacy Coach Gross motor activities, physical therapists Scientific Thinking Response to Intervention (RtI) Social Emotional Foundation of Early Learning (SEFEL) Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS)

Outreach Opportunities Provide a minimum of 87.5 hours per year Family Fun Activities, 4K Site Parent/child Activities at “School”, Newsletters, Take Home activities Parent-Teacher Conferences, Sites 2x year 4K Special Event, winter craft night 4K-5 District Sponsored Events

Teacher/Child Ratio: approximately 18 students to 2 teachers Calendar: 149 days x 3 hrs = 447 hrs of Direct Instruction (437.5 hrs), Vacations/Holidays follow the district calendar Days: Classes are held Monday through Thursday and every Friday beginning sometime in March Time : GBH 8am to 11am/11:45am to 2:45pm CLM 8:15am to 11:15am/12-3pm Collaborative Staff: DPI Licensed and assistant teachers, Early Childhood teachers and assistants, speech/language, occupational/physical therapists, nurses, site directors, district administrators “What Else Do I Need to Know?

Who is eligible to attend? Children residing within the McFarland School District who turn 4 on or before September 1, There are no early admissions. It is considered a one-year program and students should participate the year immediately preceding kindergarten. Two years in 4K will be considered only at the discretion of 4K staff and principal approval. Five year-old children are eligible for the 4K program as long as they have not previously attended a Pre-K/4K program. There are limited slots for children who apply under Open Enrollment. A child must reside in a district with a 4K program.

Where will my Child attend 4K? CLM GBH

Transportation Families are encouraged to provide transportation to/from 4K whenever possible. Transportation is provided to and from the PM programs only. Nelson’s Bus Service will send their own forms at a later date.

How do I register my child for 4K? Registration: *Packets can be picked up this evening, if you don’t have one already *Parents will indicate 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd and 4 th location/time preferences on a Google Form sent out March 30 th – if we have your information by March 16th *Parents will indicate transportation needs

How does the placement process work? 1. Children who are currently enrolled in preschool/childcare at one of our collaborating sites will receive preferential placement if they choose that location for 4K-- DEPENDENT upon space. 2. Students who receive district services such as special education, English Language Learner support, speech and language therapies receive preferential placement. 3. Factors such as gender, transportation, balanced enrollment in AM and PM classes, location requests are considered. 4. McFarland School District takes care of all placement decisions.

When will I be notified about my child’s placement? If you have your paperwork turned in by March 16 th you will know location of placement in May. If you turn your paperwork in after March 16th you will know location of placement in August. The district places students-not the community providers.

Open Enrollment Registration “Home” district must host a 4K program to apply. Families must first be accepted to the district through open enrollment prior to being enrolled in 4K. Judy Catterall

What should I do next? If you haven’t already done so, please return completed enrollment packets (along with birth certificate and proof of residency) in person: To Emily Broome at Conrad Elvehjem anytime between 7:30 -4 pm by March 16 th.

What if I’m not sure if I should send my child to 4K? Call Sarah Boatman at or her at

What resources are available tonight? Registration Packets (click on the 4K button)

Questions about Paperwork and Timeline? Call or Emily Broome at or