Why would I send my child to a Pre-K Program?
A year in Pre-K provides the perfect bridge between pre-school and kindergarten.  While we do focus on developing pre-academic skills, we recognize that not all children are ready for a structured kindergarten program.  In Pre-K, children are given ample opportunity to explore their world and discover how things work in an environment that is perfectly suited to their natural curiosity and individual stages of development.

What is your student-teacher ratio?
There is a maximum of 21 students with three early childhood education teachers in Pre-K (7:1 student-teacher ratio.)  This allows plenty of opportunity for individualized instruction.  While the children do participate in Circle Time and various activities as a whole group, they are broken down into smaller groups for language arts and math activities.

What is your daily schedule?
Children arrive at school between 7:30 and 8:10.  They are responsible for unpacking their backpacks and folders.  After a brief free playtime, the children participate in Morning Meeting, Circle Time and a theme-related activity.  Following recess, the children go to Small Groups, where they are engaged in a variety of literacy activities and math games.  Every day the students go to one or more Specials, which include Computer, Library, Music, Art and Gym.  Pre-K children eat lunch in the classroom and then have recess with the Kindergarten children.  The afternoon consists of Center Time, Snack, Rest and an end of the day activity.  The children can be picked up between 2:50 and 3:10.  After School Program is also available.

How are children grouped for Small Groups?
Students are placed in Small Groups based upon what their strengths are at any given time.  The goal is to meet each child where they are, challenge them appropriately and help them to develop a love of learning.

What if my child is reading?
The beauty of the Pre-K program at Chapin is the student-teacher ratio.  Since Pre-K aged children develop at varying levels and speeds, our class size allows the teachers the opportunity to work with and challenge each child at his/her current developmental level.