KINDER KINDER A Guide for Parents
READY READY
One day you’re proudly bringing them home from the hospital, and now you’re preparing to send them out the door for their first day of schoolbackpack, pencils, crayons, and all.
You wonder if they’re ready.
Then you wonder if you’re ready You may be concerned about how your child will perform academically, how they will thrive socially, and what type of school will best meet their needs, now and in the future.
We didn’t write this e-book to convince you of all the reasons why you should choose our kindergarten. Rather, we created it as a resource for parents who have questions about the different types of kindergarten programs and the ways they can prepare their children for a successful transition to the classroom.
On the pages that follow, you’ll get a comprehensive list of suggestions to test your child’s readiness for kindergarten We’ve included some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and an overview of a day in the life of a Legacy Christian kindergartener.
On the last page, you’ll find an invitation to schedule a Discovery Call. This initial conversation is invaluable for parents of soon-to-be kindergartners. We’ll share more about our learning environment, answer your questions, and help you decide if LCA feels right for your family
Crystal Kolendo
AdmissionsCoordinator, Grades Pre-K 3 - Kindergarten
ACADEMIC READINESS ACADEMIC READINESS
Ahigh-qualitykindergartenprogramwillbe equippedtomeeteachstudentwheretheyare andputthemonapathtosuccess.
Thefollowingbenchmarks generallyindicateifachild isacademicallyreadyfor kindergarten.
• Recognizes uppercase letters
• Matches three or more letters with the sounds they make
• Recognizes numbers and counts to 10
• Enjoys being read to and exploring books
• Traces or writes letters, numbers, and name
• Identifies and draws simple shapes
• Ask and responds to questions using complete sentences most of the time
• Follows two- or three-step directions during activities
It’s helpful to measure your child’s readiness in these areas during everyday life, not by quizzing them
Askyourchildaboutthenumbersand wordsyouseeinthegrocerystore, makeagameofthephysicalreadiness activities,andaskquestionswhile ridinginthecar.Childrenlearnthe bestthroughplay,soalwaysaimto makelearningfun!
READINESS READINESS EMOTINAL EMOTINAL
Justlikeadults,kidsrespond differentlyinsocialsituations.
• Can make a decision
• Shares toys with other kids
• Cares about the feelings of others
• Puts toys away when asked
• Spends time away from parents and siblings without getting upset
• Knows and follows safety rules
• Understands and follows directions with at least two steps
• Knows name, birthday and address
• Makes needs known
PHYSICAL PHYSICAL
Kidslovetowiggletheirlegsand squiggletheircrayons.
PHYSICAL READINESS PHYSICAL READINESS
Developingmusclesforrunning,jumping,andholdinga pencilisimportantforyourkindergartener.Beingsure yourchildisreadyphysicallywillalsoassistinhis/her transitiontobecomingmoreindependent.
Childrenwhoarereadyfor kindergartentypically:
• Run, jump, and engage in active play
• Use tools such as forks and spoons with ease
• Demonstrate independence in personal care
• Write and draw with different types of writing and art materials such as pens, pencils, paintbrushes, or crayons
• Draw shapes and write letters and numbers
• Bounce and catch a ball
• Play games with many movements
• Demonstrate independence in personal care (washing hands,getting dressed, blowingnose, using the bathroom, and securing shoes)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I start the process of looking for a school?
It’s never too early to start! Most parents start thinking about kindergarten when their child is three or four years old and has entered a preschool setting We recommend submitting applications for kindergarten in the fall prior to the child’s desired enrollment
How old does my child have to be to enter kindergarten?
Students need to be five years old on or before September 1 of the enrollment year
When are registration/enrollment deadlines?
We offer an Early Decision option for applicants whose files are completed before December 15 Enrollment is available throughout the school year depending on space availability
Is kindergarten a half or full-day program?
Kindergarten at LCA is a full-day program; 8:30 a m -3:10 p m
Will my child nap in kindergarten?
There is not a designated nap time in kindergarten
Will my child need to bring lunch or a snack in kindergarten?
Your child will need to bring a snack every day. We offer the option to pre-order lunch from school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is transportation available for kindergarteners?
Legacy does not provide transportation to and from school
Is child care available before or after school?
We offer after-school care through our Legacy Extended Care (LEC) program
Students are placed in rooms with other students in their same grade and enjoy a variety of fun activities LEC is available from 3:00 p m -6:00 p m for an additional monthly fee
What curriculum areas are covered in kindergarten?
Core Subject Areas: Phonics, Reader’s Workshop, Writer’s Workshop/Handwriting, Guided Reading, Math, Bible, Science, Social Studies
Specials: Music & Movement, PE, ART, Library/Technology, Science Lab, Greenhouse, Chapel
What will my child’s class size be like at Legacy Christian Academy?
At Legacy, we are committed to small class sizes to enhance the academic, social, and spiritual learning opportunities
Class sizes are 16 to 18 students with a full-time aide
KINDERGARTENERS KINDERGARTENERS
Academic excellence that goes Beyond the classroom in a Christ-centered environment.
Daily Academics
• Reading
• Math
• Handwriting
• Bible
• Phonics
• Exploration
• Weekly chapel service TheA,B,C’sofLegacyChristianAcademy:
Weekly Specials
• Art
• Library
• Music
Character Education
• PE
• Technology
Spiritual Development
• Daily Bible study and stories
• Weekly memory verses
Special Events
• 14 honorable traits are emphasized throughout the year (honesty, diligence, obedience, etc.)
• Teachers employ a positive incentive program
• Students receive praise and rewards as they model Christ-like behavior
• Pumpkin Patch
• Creature Teacher Program
• Homecoming
• 100’s Day
• Cowboy Dress Up Day
• PJ’s & Cozy Quilts
SPANISH IMMERSION SPANISH IMMERSION
Imagineyourchildhaving theabilitytospeakmorethan justonelanguage!
LCA’simmersionprogramproduces bilingualstudentstobehighacademic achievers,proficientinSpanish,and bothknowledgeableandappreciative ofotherSpanish-speakingcultures.
SpanishImmersionBenefits:
• Positive effect on intellectual growth
• Flexibility in thinking
• Greater sensitivity to language
• Better ear for listening
• Enhancement in understanding native language
• Greater ability to learn additional languages
• Appreciation of other cultures and global perspective
withamemberofLCA’sadmissionsteam.Duringthischat,we’llshare moreaboutourschoolcommunity,teachers,extracurricularactivities, andmore.Wealsolookforwardtoansweringyourspecificquestions
Early Learning Center
Customized facility specifically designed for early childhood learning
Secured entrance, surveillance technology, armed security presence, locked classroom doors, and a single secured entry point
Library, technology/robotics center, music room, gymnasium, and health center
Full-time school nurse to oversee student health and provide compassionate care
Outdoors, students enjoy expansive, secured playgrounds, greenhouse, and garden areas 6600 Lebanon Road
United States (US)
Dedicated school counselor to provide social and emotional support
Nearly 3 acres of land with 14 spacious classrooms Regular visits from one of LCA's certified therapy dogs
Hard and soft classroom surfaces accommodate discovery centers, arts, & crafts
Most classrooms contain both adult and child restrooms with hand-washing stations