Kyrene Preschool Program at Mirada KYRENE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Kyrene Preschool Program at Mirada KYRENE SCHOOL DISTRICT 2019 -2020

Mirada Mission Statement Inspiring Academic Excellence While Celebrating Strengths, Developing Leaders, and Honoring Diversity

Meet Our Teachers Integrated Preschool Teacher Jennifer Bell v Bachelors Special Education & Elementary Education v Early Childhood Endorsement v M. Ed. Curriculum and Instruction Integrated Preschool Teacher Brandi Mitchell v v Bachelors of Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education M. A. Ed. Curriculum and Instruction

More about Ms. Jen… v 25 th year of teaching, I taught 3 rd grade for 19 years, this is my 6 year in preschool, and my 2 nd year here at Mirada. v Married my husband Steve in 2005. v 4 terrific sons, Justin (25), Tanner (11), A. J. (10), and Lucas (7). v I love spending time with my family and friends, outdoor activities, watching my boys play baseball, going to the movies, and traveling.

More about Ms. Brandi… v This is my 4 th year of teaching. I taught early childhood special education for 3 years. This is my first year in integrated preschool here at Mirada. v Originally from Pittsburgh, PA and moved to AZ in 2011. v I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy swimming, watching movies, reading and traveling.

More about our Preschool Staff. . . Ms. Jen’s Classroom Speech Language Pathologist v Ms. Cara Classroom Assistants v Ms. Lisa v Ms. Karel Ms. Brandi’s Classroom Speech Language Pathologist v Ms. Mikki Classroom Assistants v Ms. Vera v Ms. Kay

Why Kyrene Preschool? We strive to provide students and families with a positive first experience in school. We believe our program provides a smooth transition into kindergarten.

About the Program Focus: *School Readiness Skills for all students Perks: *Language & Play Based *Ages 3 -5 *Integrated Program *Range of abilities Provides: *Early Intervention Services

Staff Ratio • Each day there are three adults for approximately 16 students • 1 classroom teacher certified in both Special Education and Early Childhood Education • 2 instructional assistants with extensive training • Speech Language Pathologist 1 day a week (Fridays)

Daily Schedule �Outside/Gross Motor Play �Circle Time �Snack Time �Child directed Play (1 hour) �Story Time �Art �Circle Time Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning, but for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. -Fred Rogers

Classroom Centers # Art Center # Sensory Table # Library Area # Puzzles and Manipulatives # Math Center # Science Center # Dramatic Play Center # Music Center # Writing Center # Blocks and Building Center

Arizona State Standards for Early Childhood (Standards Guide our Instruction) 1. Social/Emotional 2. Approaches to Learning 3. Language and Literacy 4. Mathematics 5. Science 6. Social Studies 7. Physical Development 8. Health and Safety 9. Fine Arts

Preschool Curriculum Our curriculum is divided into the following 8 themes. 1. Ready for School 2. My Family 3. Our Community 4. Awesome Animals! 5. Imagine It, Make It 6. Growing Up Healthy 7. Nature All Around Us 8. Moving On Handwriting without Tears (Writing Program) Sanford Harmony-Social Emotional Learning

Preschool Curriculum The Big Day program has a parent portal. Please take the information on your chair home with you. https: //auth. tgds. hmhco. com/login/bdport/login. php? bffs=N Username: Password: Instructions will come home in your child’s folders on Friday!

Speech/Language Services Language activities done whole group Small groups and 1: 1 working on specific speech sounds Consults with preschool staff on ways to implement speech and language goals. Collects language samples during playtime Facilitates peer interactions and expressive language

Focus on Readiness Skills Number Sense/Math Focus on skills to prepare students for math in kindergarten. Activities Include: Counting Comparing Numbers and Amounts Identifying one more/one less Patterns Sorting Measuring

Focus on Readiness Skills Phonemic Awareness Focus on skills to prepare children for reading. Activities Include: Letter Recognition Sound Recognition Identifying beginning sounds Breaking words into syllables Rhyming Words Playing with sounds to create new words (changing beginning/ending sounds. Show & Tell/Letter of the Week-more information from individual teacher in newsletters.

What Parents can do at Home to Support Learning Read to your child daily. Reading is the single most important activity leading to literacy. Talk to your child, use big vocabulary words, ask lots of questions, and describe things in detail. Encourage Independence (even though it might be easier to do things for them, children really want to be self sufficient) Sing songs and play games with your child Folder Activities-Colors, Shapes, Numbers, Letters, and Writing Practice.

Progress Reports Assessments are ongoing and are conducted in large or small groups, as well as individually. Family Night in October-(Progress Report Provided) Parent Teacher Conferences in the Spring Parents will receive a report of progress in January and May. Teaching Strategies Gold Report Progress Report (similar to the Kindergarten Report Card)

Parent/Teacher Communication Newsletters Phone Calls Emails Remind Progress Reports Parent Connect Night Family Night Spring Conferences

Ways to Support Preschool Program Party Volunteers PTO Opportunities Classroom Volunteers Guest Reader Preparation Work Donations of requested items

Remind Text Message Sign Up We have setup classroom REMIND Accounts for us to share important information and photos with you. IF YOU WISH TO SIGN UP FOR REMIND: Text 81010 AM Ms. Brandi– enter @msbrandiam PM Ms. Brandi – enter @msbrandipm AM Ms. Jen – enter @jenbellam PM Ms. Jen – enter @jenbellpm

7 Habits Habit 1 -Be Proactive Habit 2 -Begin with the End in Mind Habit 3 -Put First Things First Habit 4 -Think Win-Win Habit 5 -Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood (you’re in charge) (have a plan) (work first then play) (so everyone wins) (listen to others ideas and feelings, try to see things from their point of view) Habit 6 - Synergize Habit 7 -Sharpen the Saw (work together) (have a balance, take care of yourself)

Closing We feel that teachers and parents are a team in a child’s education. We are looking forward to a great partnership with you this year! Please feel free to contact us with questions or concerns. Thank you for coming!