Is my child ready for kindergarten? 

Many concerned parents ask themselves this question. 

Providing children with an extra year to grow in a pre-K program is a good solution for parents concerned about readiness. While children may have sufficient academic mastery for a successful transition into Kindergarten there is evidence that social and emotional readiness are also critical to early school success and even later accomplishments in life. 

The pre-K class at Christ Lutheran Early Childhood Center is a developmentally-appropriate program for four and five year old children based on comprehensive child development curriculum that meets national standards.  The program provides a traditional pre-school program for four year olds with special enrichment activities in the areas of mathematics, science and language arts for children who are waiting the extra year before starting kindergarten. 

The Connecticut State Department of Education Preschool Curriculum Framework is used to assess the developmental progress of students. 

We encourage partnership with our families – working together to support children’s optimal development and learning.  We communicate with our families regularly, partnering on children’s learning and responding to challenging situations. 

The program recognizes that children learn about their world through play.  Our classroom is divided into several interest areas to encourage a child’s curiosity and creativity.  Children gain confidence as they master concepts and experiences.  Positive social skills are encouraged through group activities. 

Children become literate through participation in sound awareness activities (songs, rhymes and poems) and are introduced to quality children’s literature. 

Mathematical concepts are introduced by block building, water play, cooking and by exploration of simple experiments. 

Fine muscle control is mastered by the use of table activities puzzles, painting, cutting, gluing and clay.  Gross motor coordination is encouraged by outdoor play. 

This takes place in the context of a Christian environment where children feel safe and valued as they hear stories about the love of Jesus and as teachers model this love in their interactions with the children. Children learn that Jesus helps us to be kind to one another and they grow in self esteem as they learn how special they are in God’s eyes. 

For parents concerned about the total development of their child, Christ Lutheran’s pre-K program is the right solution.  Call Christ Lutheran Early Childhood Center at (860) 228-5134 to learn more about this exciting new program starting in the fall.