Transition to Kindergarten Brevard Public Schools Spring 2015

Kindergarten Pre-Registration and Orientation Purpose of Pre-Registration Selection of Dates Purpose of Orientation

Transitions What I remember most about transitioning to Kindergarten….. I wish someone had……..

Let’s get a little perspective… THE FIRST DAY!

Transition to Kindergarten The MISSION To create a meaningful and smooth transition for children and parents as they take the journey into kindergarten.

Partnerships Brevard Public Schools VPK ESE Head Start Early Learning Coalition Families Community

The IMPACT…. ▪ 5000 Children, 5000 Families ▪ 365 Teachers, 64 Schools

K Transition Initiative Timeline 1/27/15 Present to Early Childhood Contacts 2/5/15 Present to Elementary APs 2/6/15 Present to Parent Leadership Team 3/2/15 Community PreK Provider Meeting 3/19/15 Present to Title I Contacts 3/15-5/15 Kindergarten Orientations

Where are kids transitioning FROM? Within BPS: Step FOURward VPK Blended VPK EELP PreK Head Start VPK High School CTE VPK Outside BPS: Community VPK Providers Childcare Providers Home

Let’s spread the word!

The PLAN Place posters at every school to advertise pre-registration. Provide presentations to various groups to get the word out. Share the list of school K orientation dates. Provide K transition packets to support families. Distribute backpacks for each BPS VPK student.

Kindergarten Orientation Meeting “Round-Up” Schools will be provided with a “ready-made” powerpoint for the orientation meeting AND transition packets for families.

Best Practice Reminders…… Kindergarten Orientation Meeting “Round-Up”  Offer an evening option  Have VPK & K teachers present  Consider a classroom tour  Share info that will help families with the transition

Parent Transition Packets “Transition to Kindergarten” Newsletter June/July Family Engagement Calendars ABC’s of My Child Public Library flyer

Summer Learning Backpacks in VPK Provided for every VPK student in Brevard Public Schools Family Meeting at every site to distribute/teach about backpacks PURPOSE: to positively impact summer learning and prepare families for transition to kindergarten Summer Learning Video

Encourage your PreK classrooms to visit the kindergarten classrooms at your school. Make efforts to share specific K transition info with childcare providers near your school. Additional Ways to Support K Transition

FEEDBACK, please! TABLE TALK: Share your tables’:  Likes  Suggestions  Questions Share what you are already doing that may impact Kindergarten transition efforts district-wide.

Thank you for being here! Please share what you learned today with PreK and Kindergarten teachers, families, and community members at your school and throughout the community. We appreciate any feedback!

Questions/Contact Information Dr. Beth Mills VPK/Early Childhood Coordinator , ext. 362