1. Middletown Public Schools Preschool Program Providing high quality preschool programs for Middletown’s children since 1990 Located at Bielefield and Wilbert Snow Schools

2. Benefits of Preschool “The knowledge and skills children – particularly economically disadvantaged children – acquire from a high-quality preschool are arguably the most important factors in a child’s success in school. Without them, a child starts kindergarten behind others who have had that advantage, and hardly ever catches up.” Betty Sternberg, Commissioner of Education

3. Children develop many skills in preschool that help them get ready for success in kindergarten…

4. In preschool there are many opportunities for children to read books and develop literacy skills.

5. Children develop pre-writing skills…

6. …and writing skills.

7. Math concepts are learned in the block corner…

8. …and by making simple patterns.

9. Children develop language skills and social skills when they engage in dramatic play.

10. Molding play dough develops fine motor skills.

11. Pre-reading and pre-math skills are learned at the computer.

12. Children learn to work together in preschool.

13. Preschool provides children with many opportunities for creative expression…

17. At preschool, children learn to cooperate and share…

18. …and parents learn about the benefits of reading to their child.

19. 82% of Middletown’s children attend a preschool program prior to entering kindergarten, compared to 75% statewide.

20. A recent study of Middletown kindergarten students showed that the longer children spent in high quality preschool programs, the higher they scored on school readiness assessments.