The Board of Education recognizes the critical importance of quality early childhood education. While early childhood education is generally recognized to cover the needs of children from birth to age eight, this policy particularly focuses on programs for children in three age groups: preschool age children (three through five years of age), kindergarten age children, and children in first grade.
Preschool Education
A major intent of this policy section is to affirm the Board's longstanding commitment to preschool education. The Board recognizes the importance of effective, quality preschool education in meeting the goal to have all children starting school ready to learn. These quality experiences are one of the most important factors in promoting the success of students who enter kindergarten.
Young children need an environment which is supportive of learning and school. To most effectively meet this need, the District encourages preschool experiences and programs which are developmental in nature and support each child's physical, psychological, social and intellectual growth. A major focus of preschool curriculum should be to teach children to think and reason in a language-rich environment.
Working within the constraints of state and federal mandates and available resources, the District will provide programming for preschoolers who qualify for special education, Head Start, Colorado Preschool Project, and Chapter I services. Every effort will be made to provide preschool education in settings that incorporate students with a wide variety of needs.
The District will work cooperatively with parents and other public and private agencies concerned with quality early childhood education. It is not the goal of the District to be the sole provider of preschool education. The goal is to ensure that quality early childhood experiences are available for all children in the school district.
District-sponsored preschool programs will meet mandated licensure standards that apply to school-based preschool programs. The Quality Standards for Early Childhood Care and Education Services established by the Colorado Department of Education will be the standards for preschool programs in the District.
Teachers who work in District-sponsored preschools will possess, at the minimum, an Associate of Arts Degree in early childhood education. Equivalent alternative educational experiences may also qualify an individual to teach preschool in the Cherry Creek School District.
A key component for quality early childhood education is parent involvement. District-sponsored preschool programs will seek to involve parents actively in the education of their children. Efforts will also focus on helping parents to build the foundation for future success in the school system, whether their child is in a District-sponsored preschool, a private preschool, or being educated at home. There is nothing that a formal preschool education can do to replace the vital role of parents in the early and ongoing education of their children.
Kindergarten
The Board recognizes that quality kindergarten experiences build upon a good preschool experience to provide a critical foundation for school success. The Cherry Creek programs will provide a classroom environment and curriculum which are developmental in nature and support each child's physical, psychological, social and intellectual growth. A major focus of the academic curriculum will be to teach children to think and reason in a language-rich environment.
Classroom teachers who work in kindergarten programs will be certified in early childhood education and/or certificated with special training in working with children from ages three through eight.
The District will operate kindergarten programs which are half-day in length. However, the Board supports creative, tuition-based programs which extend the day for kindergarten students. The programs may be initiated, and continued, where space is available. Priority for space must be given to programs that the District is required to provide.
First Grade
First grade is the pivotal year in a child's education. The Board recognizes that early success in reading is critical to success in school. Research clearly indicates that remediation of reading difficulties in later grades is very difficult. Consequently, it is the goal of the school district to have all students reading successfully by the end of first grade and to provide additional assistance to students who are identified as being at risk for not meeting this goal.
The Board recognizes that quality educational experiences in first grade continue to build a critical foundation for school success. First grade programs should provide a classroom environment and curriculum which are developmental in nature and support each child's physical, psychological, social and intellectual growth. A major focus of the academic curriculum will be to teach children to think and reason in a language-rich atmosphere. This should be done in an environment which includes hands on, concrete experiences for children. It also includes strategies which actively engage children and allow for positive social interactions.
Classroom teachers who work with first grade students will be certified in early childhood education and/or certificated with special training in working with children from ages three through eight. These teachers will be well versed in teaching reading to children at this age level.
Adoption Date: April 10, 1995