George Washington School: Pre-School Program May 15, 2012 Presentation Dr. Lorraine Cella, Superintendent

Early Childhood Philosophy is grounded in…. Historic Research John Dewey Lev Vygotsky Jean Piaget Current Research The work of over 75 top researchers in related fields contributed to the development of Creative Curriculum

Fundamental Principles: Creative Curriculum 1. Optimal learning environment 2. Positive interactions and relationships 3. Social and emotional competence 4. Constructive, purposeful play 5. Teacher – Family partnerships

Learning Domains: Cognitive Language Social/Emotional Physical Creative Curriculum at a Glance

Cognitive Development Learning and Problem Solving Logical Thinking and Decision Making Representation and Symbolic Thinking Creativity

Social/Emotional Development Sense of self Responsibility for self and others Pro-social behavior Self-regulation skills

Language Development Hears, expresses, understands, asks and answers, participates in: Listening and speaking activities Reading comprehension and writing with purpose Dramatic play and open-ended activities

Physical Development Gross Motor: balance, throwing, catching, running Fine Motor: Control of hand muscles, eye-hand movement, use of writing and drawing tools

Arrival, preparation, and choice activities Circle (Group Meeting) Choice Time Snack Read Aloud Gross Motor (Outside weather permitting) Lunch Rest/Quiet Activities Read Aloud Music and Movement Choice Time Group Meeting and Departure A Typical Preschool Daily Schedule

Centers and Instructional Sessions Arts and Crafts Discovery (Science) Library Dramatic play Toys and Games (Math) Computers Sand and Water Writing and listening Music

Common Questions How are children assessed throughout the year? Observations are taken and recorded about individual student achievement regularly by the teacher. They reflect progress across the curricula objectives. Teachers also use a developmental continuum, with several levels of performance for each curricular objective. All is recorded into the online assessment system Creative Curriculum Gold, which we utilize. It generates individual progress reports which are shared with parents through teacher conferences.

Questions most frequently asked continued… How do the assessments drive the planned activities? Ongoing assessment gives teachers a clear picture of student achievement and assists teachers in differentiating instruction. Activities are planned within studies or units. Instruction is differentiated based on children's interests and needs. Does each classroom have all of the interest areas or do the children have to travel to them? Each classroom will have Art, Dramatic Play, Library, Discovery, Blocks, Music, Table Toys, Sand and Water, and Computers Centers. A listening center and writing area will be embedded within another interest area.

More Questions….. Do the studies emerge from children’s interests and questions? We will use Creative Curriculum Version 5 next year. It has suggested studies and corresponding materials. Teachers will also develop studies based on student interest. What is the teacher to student ratio of each pre-k class? What is the educational background of the teachers? Each classroom will have 1 NJ P-3 certified teacher and 1 teacher assistant. Many of our teachers have more than one certification. And many of our teacher assistants are certified teachers. Some classrooms may have additional aides depending upon the needs of students. Class size will not be larger than 18 students.

Is busing included? It depends upon where you live. As we speak, we are working on this issue. How often and for how long to the children play outside? Children will go outside daily to play for 45 minutes, weather permitting. What is the George Washington School’s philosophy on discipline? We are here to educate both socially, emotionally and intellectually. We handle developmentally appropriate behaviors according to the individual.

How will the George Washington School handle a child who is not listening or is refusing to participate? Teachers will work with students on an individual basis; in general we de-escalate. Positive reinforcement, redirection, providing space, conferencing, brief time outs, choice are options. How often will the teachers differentiate instruction for children who have mastered skill and/or reached developmental milestones? Small group instruction is differentiated daily. How will GW communicate classroom activities and events to parents? Teachers have class websites, on which they will post classroom activities and events. The school will also have a website on which parents will be able to view calendar, events, newsletters, etc.

Has a 2012 – 2013 calendar been created yet? The school calendar is available on the School District website: edgewaterschools.org edgewaterschools.org Will the children attend art, computer, and music classes? Art, Music, gross motor and computer experiences are embedded in the day through centers. Will there be field trips? Yes. Will the pre-k use the cafeteria for eating lunch? No. Pre K children eat their lunch together as a class in the classroom. Parents may order meals from the cafeteria, but they will be brought to the classroom.

Benefits of Pre-School in Edgewater All teachers are P-3 NJ Certified teachers; Some are multiply certified State approved curriculum Curriculum based on NJ Common Core Standards Vertical articulation Team planning

Benefits of Pre-School in Edgewater Continuation and coordination of schooling into kindergarten and beyond Coordination of services (Intervention and Referral Services, health issues, remedial and enrichment programs, extra-curricular activities)

Logistics 8: 15 am to 2:49 pm 5 days a week following the Edgewater School District calendar September through June $800 a month Edgewater residents $1000 a month non-Edgewater residents Before and after care available Edgewater residents are a priority

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Education for the total child…Education intended to stimulate, assist, support and sustain emergent skills. Children gain foundations for current and future success in school. Comprehensive, Evidenced-based Program