Pre-Kindergarten Handbook

Transcription

1 Pre-Kindergarten Handbook Dr. Paul McKendrick, Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams, Asst. Superintendent - Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Mike Daria, Asst. Superintendent - General Administration James Darin Pope Director of Elementary Education

2 Pre-Kindergarten Handbook Table of Contents 1. Overview of Pre-Kindergarten Program 2. Enrollment Process a. Age b. Application Window c. Screening Process d. Selection Process i. District Admission Policy ii. Office of School Readiness Guidelines e. Student Placement i. Special Populations ii. Transfer Requests 1. Prior to Opening of School 2. During the School Year 3. Pre-Kindergarten Procedures a. Transportation b. Attendance i. Attendance Policy ii. Absence from School iii. Early Warning iv. Withdrawal of Students from Program c. Behavior d. Health Screenings 4. Pre-K Curriculum a. Standards-Based Curriculum b. Assessment c. Field Trips

3 Pre-Kindergarten Handbook Table of Contents (Continued) 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 6. Appendices a. Letter of Intent b. Parent Contract c. Transportation Request Form d. Home Language Survey e. Employment Survey

4 Welcome to Pre-K Welcome to the Tuscaloosa City Schools (TCS) Pre-Kindergarten Program! We are pleased to have this opportunity to serve your family in our school system. We recognize the importance of early learning and are committed to providing high-quality Pre-Kindergarten to all students! If ever we can assist you in the process, please contact the TCS Pre-K department at Overview of Pre-Kindergarten Program The Tuscaloosa City Schools has a rich history of support for Pre-Kindergarten education. In 1993, TCS piloted six Pre-Kindergarten classrooms across the district. The program was a success and since that time it has continued to grow. Presently, the system serves some 415 students in 24 classrooms throughout the district. Of these 24 classrooms, 13 are First Class Pre-Kindergartens and receive grant funding from the Alabama Department of Children s Affairs Office of School Readiness. The TCS uses a variety of funding sources, including Title I, grants, and local monies, to serve as many four-year old students as possible. At TCS, we are committed to providing our youngest learners with high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction. We recognize young children are active learners who need opportunities to engage in hands-on exploration of their environment. We acknowledge that learning must focus on the whole child; we must consider the social-emotional, physical, and academic development of our Pre-K students and consider individual rates of growth. We know parents are an integral part of the learning process and work closely to build positive relationships with families that support school success. At TCS, we believe all children are capable of achieving success.

5 I. Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment Requirements a. Age Students must be four (4) years of age on or before September 2. A birth certificate or verification of age is requested for all applicants. b. Residency Students must live in the Tuscaloosa City School zone in order to attend the Pre-Kindergarten Program. II. III. IV. Application Window Applications are accepted each year during the month of February at neighborhood elementary schools, with the exception of Tuscaloosa Magnet School Elementary. Applications received during the February application window are given first priority. Late applications are available at the central office reception desk upon request. All late applications must be returned to the central office. Screening Process The TCS administers the Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning 4th Edition (DIAL-4) prior to the opening of school. Students scoring below the 50th percentile in either Language or Concepts are considered at-risk and will be given first priority for Pre-K enrollment. Selection Process Students who meet the school system s criteria for academically at-risk will be given first priority for Pre-K enrollment. Students who apply to grant funded classrooms are selected by lottery. As part of grant requirements, these schools must hold a public lottery to determine which children are selected for the program. In the event there are less applicants than Pre-Kindergarten slots available, all applicants for these schools will be selected for the program.

6 V. Student Placement a. Special Populations Students who are English Language Learners, students with Individualized Education Plans, and students who are homeless/displaced as determined by the McKinney Vento Act, are automatically placed into the TCS Pre-Kindergarten program. Special populations are not required to take the screening assessment; therefore, the DIAL-4 assessment is not typically administered. b. School Residency Zones Whenever possible, students are placed within the residential school zone of the Pre-Kindergarten student. Students who are placed at schools outside of their residency zone for Pre-Kindergarten will return to their zoned school for kindergarten. c. Transfer Requests A request for transfer should be submitted on the Transfer Request Form (See Appendix). Requests for transfer are prioritized and honored whenever possible. There are, however, many times when a request cannot be accommodated due to class size limitations. When a Pre-K slot becomes available, transfer requests are given priority over waitlisted students. Students who move prior to placement of Pre-K students should contact the Pre-Kindergarten Department at the TCS Board of Education and provide updated residency information. Students who move during the school year, should provide new proofs of residency and complete a transfer request form. The student will be placed on the transfer waiting list. When and if a slot becomes available in the new residential zone, the student will be given priority placement. Students who are transferred to schools outside of their residency zone for Pre-Kindergarten will return to their zoned school for kindergarten.

7 d. Waiting List Pre-Kindergarten students who are not accepted for placement in the Pre- K Program are placed on a waiting list. As Pre-K slots become available, students are offered the opportunity to enroll in Pre-Kindergarten. e. Student Withdrawals Students who move out of the Tuscaloosa City School Zone are not eligible to attend the Pre-Kindergarten program. All withdrawals should be reported and files returned to the Pre-K Department. Students who move during the final month of school, may be permitted to complete the school year upon request; however, transportation will not be provided. Students may not be withdrawn for any other reason without prior notification of student issues to the Pre-K Coordinator and Social Work Coordinator. Students who are experiencing difficulty in adjusting to the school environment should be reported to the Pre-K Coordinator and Social Work Coordinator so that a plan of action can be developed with the local school team. After a plan of action has been implemented, the team will reconvene to determine the effectiveness of the plan and make appropriate changes. Upon review of all information, a determination will be made by the team regarding the student s continuation in the Pre-K Program. A Pre-K student may be removed from the Pre-K program for failure to comply with the TCS Code of Student Conduct. Students who are removed from the program will be given the opportunity to participate in the TCS Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program. f. Transition to Kindergarten In the spring, Pre-K students are required to submit updated proofs of residency. Upon submission of these proofs, students are automatically enrolled at the school within their designated residency zone. The Pre- Kindergarten school will deliver cumulative records to the students home schools at the end of the school year.

8 VI. Pre-Kindergarten Procedures a. Transportation Transportation is provided, upon request, to students living in the residential school zone who live in a transport area. Students living within two miles of the school are not eligible for transportation. Transportation is not provided for students attending a school outside of their residency zone, unless transportation is required by the student s Individualized Education Plan or the McKinney-Vento Act (homeless/displaced students). Eligible students may request transportation through the Pre-Kindergarten Department or the local school. A Pre-K Transportation Request Form (See Appendix) must be completed and submitted to the Transportation Department. Students who request transportation prior to placement will receive transportation information through an automated phone call via School Cast. Families may also contact the local school for bus information approximately two weeks prior to the opening of school. Students requesting transportation upon entry to school or during the school year should complete a Pre-K Transportation Request form (See Appendix) and allow a minimum of three (3) working days to receive a bus assignment. This assignment will be sent directly to the local school, who will provide this information to the parent/guardian. As stated in the Pre-K Transportation Request form, all Pre-K students must be escorted to and from the designated bus stop by the parent/guardian or other designee who is at least 18 years of age. If a parent/guardian or other designee is not present upon drop-off, the student will be returned to the local school for parent/guardian pick-up. Upon the first incident, a phone call will be made to the parent/guardian reminding them of their obligation. Subsequent incidents may result in the loss of transportation privileges.

9 b. Attendance Pre-Kindergarten students are expected to follow the policies and procedures outlined in the Tuscaloosa City Schools Student Code of Conduct. Since attendance is closely linked to academic success, all Pre- Kindergarten students are expected to attend school every day. In the event a child is absent from school, the parent should send a note or medical excuse within 72 hours of the absence. If a parent note or medical excuse is not provided within 72 hours, the absence is considered unexcused. The following procedures will be followed for all Pre-K absences: 1. When students are absent from school, the TCS will send an automated phone call via School Cast to the parent/guardian. Whenever possible, teachers are encouraged to contact the family. 2. When a student has two (2) unexcused absences, the TCS will send an automated phone call via School Cast and the local school will send a letter to the parent/guardian. 3. If a student accumulates three (3) unexcused absences, the local school will schedule a meeting with the parent/guardian to complete a Pre-K Early Warning Pre-Referral. 4. If a student accumulates ten (10) tardies, the local school will schedule a meeting with the parent/guardian to complete a Pre-K Early Warning Pre-Referral. 5. If a fifth (5 th ) absence occurs, either excused or unexcused, the TCS Attendance Office will send a Five-Day Cumulative Absence Notice to the parent/guardian. 6. If a student has five (5) unexcused absences or fifteen (15) tardies, the local school will complete an Early Warning Referral and submit this to the TCS Attendance Office. The parent/guardian will receive a Notice of Pre-K Early Warning which requires the parent/guardian and child to attend a meeting at the TCS Board of Education. At this meeting, a team will work with the family to develop a plan for improving attendance.

10 7. Withdrawal of Student from Program Pre-K students who continue to have excessive absences and/or tardies (check-in or check-out from school) will be removed from the program. Students who are removed from the program will be given the opportunity to participate in the TCS Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program. c. Student Behavior All students enrolled in the TCS must comply with the Code of Student Conduct. Pre-Kindergarten students are expected to follow these same guidelines for acceptable student behavior. At TCS, we realize Pre- Kindergarten is often the first school experience for most children, therefore, Pre-K students often need time to adjust to the school environment. The Pre-Kindergarten classroom fosters a classroom community and teaches students about acceptable behavior for school. For most students, this core behavioral instruction ensures a safe and positive learning environment for all. When students continue to have difficulty adjusting to the school environment, the local school will work collaboratively with the student, family, counselor, principal, Pre-K Coordinator, and Social Work Coordinator to develop a plan for success. After this plan of action has been implemented over time, the team will reconvene to determine next steps. The plan will be revised as needed to help ensure student success. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the team will determine whether the student s behavior is detrimental to the safety and learning of other children and if removal from the program is necessitated.

11 d. Health Screenings An annual health screening is offered to all Pre-Kindergarten students enrolled in the TCS. The parent/guardian must give written permission for the student to participate in health screenings. This screening is offered in collaboration with community partners, such as The University of Alabama (UA) Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility, UA Capstone Medical School, UA Capstone College of Nursing, Shelton State Community College Nursing Program, Sarrell Dental Center, and Maude Whatley Health Services. Comprehensive health screenings include vision, hearing, dental, and physical health. Students are assessed for many health-related issues, such as lead, glucose, and cholesterol levels. Over the years, these screenings have assisted many families in diagnosing problems, preventing health problems, and receiving health services. VII. Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum a. Standards-Based Curriculum The TCS aligns the Pre-K curriculum and instruction with the Alabama Developmental Standards for Preschool Children. These standards address nine areas of development and align with the kindergarten standards found in the Alabama Courses of Study developed by the Alabama State Department of Education. These standards include: a) language and literacy, b) mathematics, c) science and environmental education, d) health, e) fine arts, f) technology, g) physical development, h) social-emotional development, and i) approaches to learning. b. Assessment Pre-Kindergarten students are administered the Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning 4th Edition (DIAL-4) prior to entry and at the end of the school year. Pre- and post-test results are analyzed to determine the students kindergarten readiness. Students enrolled in First Class Pre-K classrooms funded by the Alabama Department of Children s Affairs are assessed using the Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment. This assessment includes the use of authentic assessments to determine progress toward developmental benchmarks. These benchmarks are closely aligned to the Alabama Developmental Standards for Preschool Children.

12 Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment benchmark reports are completed three times each year. A minimum of two (2) parent conferences are held each year to discuss the Pre-K student s growth in each of these areas. All other Pre-Kindergarten students receive TCS Pre-Kindergarten Progress Reports at the end of the first semester and at the completion of the third and fourth nine weeks period. A minimum of two (2) parent conferences are held each year to discuss the Pre-K student s progress. c. Field Trips Pre-Kindergarten students are allowed to attend off-site, school-sponsored field trips with parent permission. Students must be transported by bus (TCS or Charter) and must follow all seating safety requirements. TCS uses booster seats and harnesses which meet the transportation safety requirements for four-year-old children. Teachers are encouraged to use on-site field trips that do not require transportation throughout the year. The following procedures for planning and implementation of Pre- Kindergarten Field Trips have been collaboratively developed: Two (2) TCS buses will be equipped with appropriate booster seats and used for field trip purposes. Each bus may transport 18 students and three (3) adult chaperones (Pre-K teacher, Pre-K paraprofessional, Pre-K parent and/or other school employee). A ratio of 1 adult: 5 students is required. Pre-Kindergarten field trips will be limited to two buses/one trip per day. Pre-K field trips will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Field trips must be within a mile radius of the TCS school district. All other procedures related to field trips must be followed, as with any field trip request.

13 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. My child is zoned for Elementary School A. May I request my child attend Elementary School B? Parents may request a transfer to another school zone. A Transfer Request Form should be completed and submitted to the central office Pre-K department. Transfers are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis, when/if space is available at the requested school. Students are automatically returned to his/her home school for kindergarten enrollment. 2. Our home school zone does not currently have a Pre-Kindergarten classroom. Is it possible for my child to attend Pre-K? The Tuscaloosa City Schools Pre-Kindergarten program is a district-wide program, serving four year old children from all school districts. If a local elementary school does not currently have a Pre-Kindergarten program, qualifying students are offered a slot at another school. 3. If my child is enrolled in Pre-K at a specialty school, will they have automatic admission into the specialty program? No. Pre-K students are automatically enrolled in kindergarten at the school for which they are zoned. If a specialty school is desired, the parent must follow the TCS district procedures for specialty school attendance. 4. Why are some Pre-K classrooms designated as First Class Pre-K Classrooms and others are not? The TCS currently has 24 Pre-K classrooms across the district. Of these classrooms, 13 receive First Class Pre-K grant funds and are therefore designated a First Class Pre-K classroom. There are specific requirements of the grant, which may be different from district-funded classroom requirements. We are required to meet adhere to these guidelines, or we would lose our grant funding. For example, First Class Pre-K Classrooms are required to: Use a lottery-system for enrollment. Use cots for rest time. Provide at least one, off-campus field trip at no cost to the parent. Use a specific assessment, Teaching Strategies Gold.

14 5. Why do some schools have a lottery for admission to the program and others do not? Pre-K classrooms receiving First Class Pre-K grant funding are required to hold a public lottery if the number of applicants from a specific school zone exceed the number of slots available. Students within the home school zone are given preference for attending First Class Pre-K classrooms. If slots are available after all home-zoned students are enrolled, then enrollment in a First Class Pre-K classroom is open to any TCS Pre-Kindergarten student. All other Pre-K classrooms follow the TCS district policy for Pre-K admission. 6. Does the school system offer any type of school program for three-year old children? At the age of three, the district serves students with diagnosed disabilities. If your child has a diagnosed disability, please contact our Special Education Services department for more information. Although we are unable to provide school based general education services to three-year children, the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is a home-based program offered to families within the district. For more information, contact the Pre-K department. 7. What curriculum does the Pre-K program use? The TCS aligns the Pre-K curriculum and instruction with the Alabama Developmental Standards for Preschool Children. These standards address nine areas of development and align with the kindergarten standards found in the Alabama Courses of Study developed by the Alabama State Department of Education. These standards include: a) language and literacy, b) mathematics, c) science and environmental education, d) health, e) fine arts, f) technology, g) physical development, h) social-emotional development, and i) approaches to learning.

15 8. Will my child receive a report card? Students enrolled in First Class Pre-K classrooms funded by the Alabama Department of Children s Affairs are assessed using the Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment. Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment benchmark reports are completed three times each year. A minimum of two (2) parent conferences are held each year to discuss the Pre-K student s growth in each of these areas. All other Pre-Kindergarten students receive TCS Pre-Kindergarten Progress Reports at the end of the first semester and at the completion of the third and fourth nine weeks period. A minimum of two (2) parent conferences are held each year to discuss the Pre-K student s progress. 9. I am a TCS employee who lives in another school district. May I enroll my fouryear old child in the Pre-Kindergarten program? No. At the present time, TCS is unable to honor requests for employees who live outside of the TCS school district. Currently, we are unable to serve all of the four-year old students who live within the TCS school district.

16 APPENDIX Sample Forms & Letters