Junior Kindergarten Program (JK)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Time: 1:00 - 4:00pm
6:1 child/adult ratio
Born before or on September 1, 2022
All Junior Kindergarten (JK) children are four and most have previously been in group settings. While still very much a preschool program, our JK class offers meaningful, age appropriate experiences that prepare children for meeting the challenges of kindergarten the following year. Parents are invited to visit once or twice a year, instead of assisting regularly.
Children in JK can extend familiar activities, play increasingly difficult games, and create and sustain complex fantasy play scenarios. Art, Block and tactile explorations combine multiple techniques and children apply what they know about materials in new ways.
Teachers encourage JK kids to communicate their ideas and emotions to one another, and help children navigate the ups and downs of friendships. They encourage kids to work in larger groups, while acknowledging each child’s increasing sense of individual identity. Children’s ideas and suggestions inform group-time content and classroom activities, and group decision making. For instance, children may vote and then work to create different play scenarios in the playhouse, such as a spaceship or a post office.
Teachers incorporate literacy into every aspect of the classroom. Children become confident using writing tools as they make the daily snack board, work in journals at Table Time and help to write the agenda for group time. Leader Cards, signup lists and surveys provide opportunities for children to broaden their understanding of written language and its uses.
Children develop math skills through classroom routines and opportunities for play, as they sort pumpkins from apples in the sand table, compare water in vessels at the water table, tally votes, keep scores, measure plants, and play board and card games. Teachers support this development through conversations and extension activities, tailoring their approach to each individual’s needs.
JK children are well prepared for the academic challenges of Kindergarten. They are also practiced in regulating their emotions, have confidence in their ability to problem solve and communicate their ideas, can advocate for themselves and will seek out teacher help appropriately. Parents should expect to arrange a support person for the first few days of class.
Enrichement classes
We are proud to host several trusted enrichment class providers at Park West, providing enrichment class opportunities to babies, toddlers and preschoolers in our community.