Welcome to the

Pre-K Parent Orientation

“Bright from the Start Program”

Introduction of Pre-K Staff

Principal And Princess

Of KES

Teaching and Learning

Specialist

Mrs. Denise Millen

Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Liz Wilder

Required Documentation Includes:• Age – Birth certificate, passport, official medical

documents, etc.

• Proof of residency – Two proofs of residency as

listed on the PreK Flyer.

• “Bright From the Start” registration form completed

• Immunization Certificates (#3231) due within 30

calendar days of the start of the child’s Pre-K

program

• Ear, Eye, Dental and Nutrition Screening – due

within 90 calendar days of the start of the child’s

Pre-K program

Curriculum

• A high-quality Pre-K curriculum sets goals specific to Pre-K and uses learning and developmental standards that are research-based, age-appropriate, and aligned with the state's K-12 standards.

• The curriculum builds on each child's interests and natural curiosity and gives children opportunities to direct their own learning.

• The curriculum provides daily learning opportunities for language and reasoning, science, math, block play, dramatic play, art, and music.

• The curriculum provides learning opportunities in a variety of settings, including whole-class activities, work in small groups, and individual interactions with the teacher.

The curriculum provides integrated learning across children's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.

Detailed information on the curriculum can be found at the Bright from the Start Website – http://www.decal.ga.gov/

What are the benefits of Pre-K?

Benefits of Pre-K:• Pre-K increases high school graduation rates.

– Chicago children who attended a Pre-K program were 29 percent more likely to graduate from high school than their peers who did not have Pre-K. (Source: Chicago Longitudinal Study)

• Pre-K helps children do better on standardized tests. – Michigan fourth graders who had attended Pre-K passed the

state's literacy and math assessment tests at higher rates than their peers who had no Pre-K. (Source: "State Efforts to Evaluate the Effects of Pre-Kindergarten", Yale University Child Study Center)

• Pre-K reduces grade repetition. – Maryland fifth graders who attended Pre-K were 44 percent less

likely to have repeated a grade than their peers who did not attend Pre-K. (Source: "State Efforts to Evaluate the Effects of Pre-Kindergarten", Yale University Child Study Center)

• Pre-K reduces the number of children placed in special education. – Among Chicago children, those who attended Pre-K were 41

percent less likely to require special education services than their peers who did not attend. (Source: Chicago Longitudinal Study)

Benefits of Pre-K

• Every $1 invested in high-quality Pre-K saves taxpayers up to $7. – Pre-k results in savings by reducing the need for remedial

and special education, welfare, and criminal justice services, according to a number of studies. (Sources: "The Economics of Investing in Universal Preschool Education in California", Rand Corporation; The High/Scope Perry Preschool Project)

• Pre-K improves efficiency and productivity in the classroom.– Children who attended pre-k at Head Start centers had more

advanced skills in areas such as following directions, problem-solving, and joining in activities, all of which allow teachers to spend more time working directly with children and less on classroom management. (Source: "The Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey", U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Instructional Day

Pre-K is a Full day of 7.0 instructional hours

School Hours (breakfast is now included)

• The school day for all PreK classes will be from

8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Purpose of Pre-K Program

To provide full day (6.5 hours of core

instructional services), five days per

week, 180 days per year of

appropriate educational/ instructional

services to eligible four-year-old

children.

Kindergarten Transition Activities

Pre-K students interact regularly

with kindergarten students during:

• Playtime

• Lunchtime

• Special events

It Takes Teamwork

Sample of Daily Schedule…

1) Greeting and

Morning Board

2) Small Group

Activity

3) Outside

Activity

4) Lunch

5) Nap Time

6) Large Group

Activity

7) Review,

Clean-Up

Parent Conferences

Parent Conferences• Two conferences per year are required between

the parent/guardian and teacher to discuss the child’s growth and development.

• Student portfolios containing student work are reviewed to demonstrate on-going growth and development.

• Optional Parent/Guardian and teacher conference as needed

Parent ParticipationParents are encouraged to volunteer their time, talents, and experiences in the classroom.

Absenteeism or Tardiness• Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing more than 2 days

per month without medical or other reasonable explanation. Parent contact may include phone call or letter.

• Chronic tardiness is defined as late arrival or early departure more than once per week.

• Children who continue to be chronically absent or tardy after intervention will be recommended for dismissal from the program. Parent contact may include phone call or letter.

Items to send to Pre-K

Note: Important to send a set of extra

clothes clearly labeled with child’s

name.

Optional School Supply List

Camden County Schools provides for the

primary academic needs of each student.

The following is a list of additional items

used on a regular basis. This list may

serve as a guide to make preparation for

the new school year.

• Snack once a month for 22 students

• Disinfectant Spray

• Hand Sanitizer

Referral process for suspected

special needs

• All students will be screened for

speech and language.

• Screenings may be completed for

behavior or developmental delay.

• Individuals with disabilities will not

be denied access to the Pre-K

program.

Student Discipline

Camden County Schools has adopted a state-wide

initiative entitled Positive Behavioral Interventions and

Supports (PBIS). This framework is an evidence-based,

data-driven framework that has been proven to reduce

disciplinary incidents, increase a schools sense of

safety, improve school climate, and support improved

academic outcomes for all students.

Suspension/Disenrollment of a Child

from the Program May Be Considered

• If it is determined that

he/she is:

– Chronically disruptive

– Causing harm to himself or

herself or others

– Chronically tardy or absent

from the program

– Not enrolled in extended day

program and is continually

picked up late

Pre-K NewsletterParent Newsletters -10 per year posted on

“Bright from the Start” website.

Extended Day Program• We offer Before /After School programs

Before School – 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

After School – 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

• Cost Per Child

A one-time registration/enrollment fee per

child $45 & $90 for Family. Charges will be applied

to accounts

weekly.

Before School Care only : $40/week

After School Care only: $60/week

Before and After School Care: $70/week

Only need one day a week? Try the Pre-paid 5/50 Program.

• For more information call Extended Day (912) 729-8301

August Events

August 2nd – First Day of School 8:30-3:30 (car riders

pick up – 3:15)

August 13th – Pre-K Parent Orientation 5:00-6:00

August 15th Papa Johns Spirit Night

August 22nd – Back to School Dance 3:30-4:30 $5

August 22nd – Chick-fil-A Spirit Night 5:00-8:00 August 30th – Krispy Kreme Fundraiser Begins

Meal Fees

• Breakfast is free to all Pre-K

• Lunch is $1.95

Pre-K Paid Lunch includes: SNAP, CAPS, Food Stamps, SSI,

Medicaid and TANF.

School Policies

and ProceduresIllness

Inclement

Weather

Transportation

changes

Visitor check-in at

front office

Pre-K Websites

• Camden County Schools:

www.camden.k12.ga.us

www.parent.camden.k12.ga.us/parents.htm

• “Bright from the Start” website:

http://www.decal.ga.gov/

Thank you for your participation

in the Pre-K Program!