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Developmental Kindergarten

What is developmental kindergarten?

Developmental kindergarten provides an opportunity for students to build social-emotional and academic skills in preparation for kindergarten. 

  • Developmental kindergarten is designed to create a two-year kindergarten experience for students who may benefit from such an intervention. Students attend kindergarten the year following developmental kindergarten. 
  • Children turning five-years-old between September 1 and December 1 may consider developmental kindergarten.
  • Developmental kindergarten offers students opportunities to grow and learn through a play-based curriculum built upon the academic standards for kindergarten.

Developmental kindergarten is a full-day program. Transportation is provided for families residing within the school attendance areas. All elementary locations host a developmental kindergarten classroom. 

How do I enroll? Enrollment will open for kindergarten and developmental kindergarten in late January. 

Who should attend our developmental kindergarten program? While birthdate is only one factor, students turning five-years-old between September 1 and December 1 may benefit most from an additional growth year while developing:

  • Confidence
  • Social skills
  • Oral language development
  • Motor skills
  • Attention span
  • Independence
  • School readiness

How is developmental kindergarten different from kindergarten? Students in developmental kindergarten will utilize elements of the kindergarten curriculum coupled with play-based experiences meant to reinforce social and academic school development. While individual needs are always taken into account, this program is not intended to build a student's readiness for first grade, but rather an additional year of growth with early kindergarten literacy, math, and social skills.

How do I know if my child would benefit from developmental kindergarten? Developmental kindergarten is intended to provide an additional year of academic and social growth for those interested. Talking with your child’s preschool teacher or current care provider about their development may be helpful. 

Is there a cost for developmental kindergarten? There is no cost for developmental kindergarten.

Who is eligible for developmental kindergarten? Children must be 5-years-old no later than December 1, 2024, and students will advance to Kindergarten in the following school year.

Are Enrichment classes (like music, art, physical education) part of the developmental kindergarten program? Children will experience all of the core areas of instruction including art, media, music, and physical education.

Is developmental kindergarten a full day or half day? Developmental kindergarten is a full school day and will follow the elementary calendar including bell times. (9:05 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

If the student has an IEP, who will be contacting the family, and when? The school principal or special education provider will reach out to families of students with IEPs within the first week of school.