Friday, March 29, 2024

Transitional Kindergarten Coming this Fall to Cascade School District

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Cascade School District is initiating another early learning program next school year to add to their other options. The new free program is called TK Cubs and is categorized as a transitional kindergarten by the state. TK is full day, every day pre-K education with a certified teacher and a paraprofessional. Kodiak Cubs preschool, in contrast, has half day programs for two different age groups, three-year olds and four-year olds.

“It is a bridge between preschool and Kindergarten for students for whom a full-day Pre-K program may be needed,” said Lindsay Camp, Kodiak Cubs preschool teacher.

Besides the length of the sessions, this program differs from what is currently offered in other ways. “Kodiak Cubs is at IRMS and has CHS students acting as assistant teachers in the program,” Camp explained. “TK Cubs will be at PD Elementary and follow a Kindergarten schedule with activities developmentally appropriate for four-year olds.”

The class will have a capacity of seventeen students. After completing TK, the students will enter kindergarten. Participating families will be chosen based upon screening and selection criteria still to be finalized.

The teacher position has been posted, and the district is reviewing applicants currently. Bilingual ability is highly preferred.

“We’re excited to add TK, based upon listening to our community’s needs, and to help serve them,” said PD principal, Emily Ross. “It will be high caliber and a place that kids will love.”

Children and families will benefit from having this “extra” year to get used to the kindergarten schedule, and they will get to know Ross, the office staff and feel comfortable in the PD environment.

Camp added, “It's really exciting to see the direction we are headed as a district and know that more kids and families in our community will be getting what they need to succeed.”

Another option for child care and preschool services prior to kindergarten enrollment is offered in Peshastin by the Chelan Douglas Child Services Association. For more information, call (509)663-5179 or go to www.cdcsa.com.

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