Garber Preschool offers programs and classes for children 3 months to 5 years. The preschool supports a "hands-on" and process-oriented approach to the child's interaction with the environment. We use a theme-based curriculum which recognizes that as children develop, their sense of the world is ever-expanding. We base our program practices on current knowledge in the fields of early childhood education and child development as well as on our knowledge of each child. Our program stresses developmentally appropriate practices that value the uniqueness of each child and the stage of development in which each child is operating.
MOTHER'S MORNING OUT: This is a child care service available to children 3 months to 15 months. The child is enrolled to attend once a week. The day(s) will be set based on demand. The Preschool calendar will be followed. Enrollment is limited to 6 children so that a 1 to 3 staff/child ratio can be maintained.
YOUNGER PRESCHOOL: Children are grouped by age in either a 15-23 month old (Toddler) class or in a 24-36 month old class. The child must be 15 months by AUGUST 31, 2010 or 24 months by AUGUST 31, 2010. We offer Tuesday/Thursday and Mon/Wed/Fri (24 month class only) classes.
OLDER PRESCHOOL: Children are grouped by age in either a 3 or 4 year old class. The child must be either 3 or 4 by AUGUST 31, 2010. All children entering the older classes must be toilet trained unless there is a developmental or physiological reason. There are separate classes for these age groups on the following days:
3 Year Olds
Tuesday/Thursday
Mon/Wed/Fri
Monday-Friday
4 Year Olds
Monday through Friday
TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN CLASS:
The Garber Preschool Board began having a Kindergarten Transitional class for the 2008/2009 school year. To participate in this class, children will be required to be 5 years old by January 1 of the given school year. This will be a 5 day a week class which will focus more on alphabet recognition, phonetic skills, handwriting techniques and number concepts and recognition. It will continue to provide socialization and a play based approach to learning. Additionally, it has an expanded day, from 8:00 to 12:00. It is anticipated that there will be some additional costs for this class.
The objective in starting this class is to bridge the gap between 4 year old preschool and Kindergarten for our younger 4 year olds. As the curriculum for Kindergarten becomes more rigorous and requires more desk type work, it is our hope that a transitional class will continue to challenge your child yet remain developmentally appropriate in its structure. Our 4 year olds are typically well prepared for Kindergarten and have a smooth transition. However, many parents have expressed some concerns especially with regards to the children who are closest to the cut off date.
Public schools are becoming aware that the N.C. Standard Course of Study (Curriculum) expectations and developmentally appropriate practices are creating an atmosphere of frustration for teachers, parents and children often leading to repeating of a grade during the first 4 years of elementary school. It is our hope that this program will help bridge that gap for children who barely make or just miss the August 31 date of birth cut off for Kindergarten. At the end of the Transitional year, the teacher will make a recommendation for the next year. If it is felt that the child is academically ready for promotion to 1st grade and meets the age requirements, parents will have the opportunity to explore that option.
Transitional Kindergarten Class (must be 5 on or before December 31, 2010)
Monday - Friday
EARLY RISERS PROGRAM:
Early risers is a special service that we have begun allowing parents the option of bringing their child at 8am instead of 9am. It is available for children 18 months of age and older. There are 2 providers each day and the cost is $3.00 per morning per child (regardless of drop-off time). ANY CHILD LEFT IN THE CONDERMAN BUILDING PRIOR TO 8:50 WILL BE CHARGED THE $3.00 FEE. There will be a roster in the Conderman Building and each child must be signed in by a parent upon arrival. You will receive a statement the first of each month with payments due by the 10th. Payments for Early Risers are to be made separately from regular tuition payments for bookkepping purposes.
Children may arrive with a simple nutritious breakfast and drink. Make sure all belongings are clearly labeled so that we can ensure they take them to class with them. If you are dropping off a child prior to 8:30 you may park along the playground area. However, for the safety fo the children, after that time you must park in the front parking lot. The drive may be blocked with playground setup after that time.
