1. Program Recruitment & Preparation
Welcome to
To do:
Parent session preparation and supplies -
Handouts
What to Expect - Kindergarten Skills
Family Activity Sheets
Launching Letters Folder Game
Photo Name Puzzles
Parent Tip Cards
Parent Tip Cards Table of Contents
Parent Tip Card
Pretend Play
Word Find Walk
Supplies
Binder ring for tip cards
Pocket folder for parent
Locate a talking piece if you will be using one
Other
Program information for Slide 4
Prepare to talk about a day in your district’s kindergarten (Slide 6)
To say:
Welcome to Gearing up for Kindergarten. I’m ___(your name)___and I will be your facilitator for this parenting part of our class. (Note your credentials as applicable.)
The goal of this class is to help parents (grandparents, caregivers, guardians) prepare their children for a successful kindergarten experience. Today’s kindergarten has become more academic and perhaps more challenging than the kindergarten many of us attended as children.
Technology and science have made possible important research on the human brain. We know the importance of early learning and the devastating impact of observing violence on the young brain.
We will explore a different topic each week. These topics are all important in preparing your child and, in some ways, your family for school success. Note, I didn’t say academic success because, as we are all aware, school success hinges on getting along with other children, teachers, bus drivers and others. Following directions, paying attention and waiting your turn also are vital. Kindergarten is much more than just learning letters and numbers.
Let’s begin by going around the room and introducing ourselves. Please say your name and your children’s names. __(Name)___, would you mind getting us started?
Thank you!
Program Recruitment & Preparation

2. Program Preparation First thing to do – before anything else ……
Watch this video to see first hand the Gearing Up for Kindergarten program “in action”.

3. Program Preparation
Purchase curriculum from NDSU Extension (information found on the last slide)
Secure location and dates – decide early
Staffing
Hire teachers and parent educators
Train them as soon as possible
Hire childcare providers for siblings (if offering) – if non-school employees complete all payroll appointment paperwork

4. Program Recruitment
Target audience - incoming kindergarteners and their families
Market the program using letters or brochures (found on the CD)
Advertisements in local newspapers, school newsletters, Head Start, daycares and preschool programs, Facebook page, blog, local school websites, district website
Prepare a registration form for potential participants
Sample letters, brochures and registration forms can be found on the CD

5. Program Recruitment
Enrollment – consider over-enrolling or keeping a waiting list as there tends to be a couple of drops after the first few sessions.
Send a confirmation letter to families accepted into the program – inform them of location, dates and time. Send reminders about the importance of attending all the sessions.

6. Program Recruitment
Develop a contact information sheet of participants for teachers: parent’s name, child’s name, address, phone and
Spend a lot of energy each night welcoming families. Be at the door greeting them.

7. Program Preparation Signage Front door - welcome Classroom doors
Class lists with children’s first and last name
Childcare room
Signage samples are on the CD

8. Welcome & Room Identification

9. Program Preparation
Obtain supply list from teachers two weeks in advance – purchase and distribute
Print take home lesson materials for teachers and distribute (found on the CD)
Oversee childcare arrangements and supplies
Book Library – obtain or arrange
Program Evaluations
Recommended supply lists are found on the Gearing Up for Kindergarten website.

10. Program Preparation Classroom Teacher Preparation Class list
List and post each evening’s activity schedule
Parent/Child nametags
Adult sign in sheets out with pens (can use the sheets provided in the Evaluation packets)
Child sign in sheets with name printed and line below for child to sign their name
Attendance chart with stickers
Book bins with labeled books
Welcome to Gearing Up for Kindergarten sign

11. Sign In, Nametags, & Book Bin

12. Program Preparation Classroom Teacher Preparation Continued
Provide labeled lockers/cubbies for children
Allow children to check out a book each week
Table Tents create a written explanation of the learning skills at each center
Story time with parents and again with students
Establish snack time routine
Literacy activities each week (using songs and charts as well as books from the curriculum) or your own choices
Transition songs – good bye song each week

13. Samples of attendance chart with stickers and coat closet label with child’s name.

14. Program Preparation All Teacher Preparation
Read the overview of each topic
Have all materials organized and ready to use
Lesson plans to meet the needs of all learners
Ask coordinator for supplies needed – two weeks in advance
Be there at least 15 minutes prior to class, plan on 15 minutes after class
Know the building and where classes, parent education and childcare are located

15. Program Overview for a 1.5 hour class
Families arrive
Put away coats, put on name tags, drop off siblings in childcare
First 45 minutes
Parent/child activities together in kindergarten classroom
Circle time
Second 45 minutes
Parents dismiss to the parent education room with the parent education teacher
Children stay in the kindergarten classroom with the kindergarten teacher
Note: the transition from classroom to parent session can take 5-10 minutes. Allow for this time by shortening both the parent/child and parent sessions.

16. 10 Week Session of Gearing Up
Week 1 - What to Expect (Session 1)
Week 2 - Brain Development (Session 3)
Week 3 - Raising a Reader (Session 4)
Week 4 - Responsible and Independent (Session 7)
Week 5 - Importance of Sleep and Healthy Habits (Session 8)

17. 10 Week Session of Gearing Up
Week 6 - Learning Styles (Session 9)
Week 7 - Temperament (Session 10)
Week 8 - Early Math (Session 11)
Week 9 - Social and Emotional Development (Session 12)
Week 10 - Parents’ Role in School Success (Session 16)

18. To order curriculum visit www. gearingupnd
To order curriculum visit If you have questions, please call Jeanne Erickson at NDSU Extension (701) or