Kindergarten

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HeartPrints is pleased to announce that we will open a kindergarten program beginning in September 2011.

Our Philosophy:

• is aligned with theguidelines set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for developmentally appropriate practice
• focuses on an individualized approach emphasizing clear expectations and cooperation within consistent structures
• embraces the philosophy of our preschool programs and supports our learning objectives: self-esteem & active learning; social competence & community; communication & aesthetics; discovery, exploration & appreciation; creativity, imagination & problem solving; and body awareness & control.
• supports a diverse student population, both ethnically and socioeconomically, to provide an enriched learning environment and broad experiences for students, teachers and families.

 Our Program:

• Teachers use our six learning objectives as a flexible framework for planning experiences to promote the growth of each child.
• Teachers prepare an engaging center-based learning environment for exploring our world through the project approach.
• The curriculum encourages teaching staff to implement a variety of tools within the early childhood classroom including:  flexibility in group size, varied learning or activity centers, cooperative project work, individual projects, parent and community volunteers, and play. 
• Classroom learning is enhanced through field trips or visits from special guests.
• Supplemental activities include yoga and foreign language instruction.
• Teachers incorporate the Pennsylvania Kindergarten Standards in the on-going assessment of children’s development and learning. 
• HeartPrints uses our own written assessment tool to evaluate each child’s individual pattern of development and learning.  All assessments will be used as a foundation to design appropriate learning experiences for children.

 Our Admissions Criteria:

• Children must turn 5 by September 30, 2011
• Admission is based on space availability, with preference first given to HeartPrints’ families.
• A maximum class size of 16 with a staff ratio of 1:8
• For children new to HeartPrints, admission requires a school visit and interview.  

Our Staff:

• The kindergarten team includes two teachers.
• The kindergarten will be administered by our HeartPrints Executive Director, Assistant Director, and Board of Directors.
• All teachers meet the qualifications outlined by NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  This means that the y have degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or a related field, or the y have become qualified by providing verification of credit hours within the field of early childhood education. 
• All staff maintains certification in CPR and first aid.  In addition, each staff member annually participates in at least 24 hours of continuing education within the field of early childhood education.

 Our Learning Space:

• A designated kindergarten classroom
• Shared library, studio and outdoor play facilities
• Security system with video surveillance
• Cooperation and coordination with therapists when necessary, but no in-house special services

 Family Impact & Connections:

• Teachers meet regularly with families to share information about the child’s school and home life.
• Tuition for the year is
  • $1,150.00 per month for full day
  •    $600.00 per month for half day
• Tuition includes the cost of materials, snacks, and activity fees for the child.  Family members accompanying children on class trips must pay the ir own fees.
• Families may join HeartPrints’ committees and/or Board of Directors.
• Bus service may be provided by school district of residence.