ENTRANCE CRITERIA
A child meeting one of the following will be considered for entrance:
ð Home language other than English
ð Limited extended family support
ð Child/Family isolation
ð Child experiencing challenges in areas such as social-emotional and language development
ð Identified special needs
ð A traumatic experience within or impacting the family/child
ð Parent experiencing behavioral difficulties with the child
ð Family coping with cross cultural barriers
Referral Sources
1. Heartland Health Region (Public Health Nurse, Family Support Worker, Early Childhood Therapist)
2. Ministry of Social Services
3. Parent Support Programs
4. ECIP
5. Schools
6. Self-referral
7. Licensed daycares and play schools
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are all children eligible for prekindergarten?
No. Prekindergarten is a needs-based program with specific criteria for entry.
Who may refer children to the program?
Any agency, with the consent of the family or the parent(s). Parents may also refer their children to the program.
Where can referral forms be obtained?
Biggar Central School 2000, Westberry School, Elizabeth School, Walter Aseltine School, OES, St. Gabriel School, the Biggar Family Support Centre, Public Health offices, and the Sun West Division Office. If a child is already attending a licensed daycare or playschool, the referral is done most effectively in consultation with that provider.
Is transportation to the prekindergarten program provided?
Transportation may be provided within the communities of Kindersley, Biggar, Outlook and Rosetown. Funding from the Ministry is not currently provided for transportation outside of the town limits.
Prekindergarten
Is it for you and your child?
For more information contact:
Sun West School Division
Rosetown
Telephone: 1-866-375-2677
Biggar Central School 2000
Biggar
Telephone: 1-306-948-2117
Westberry School
Kindersley
Telephone: 1-306-463-2433
Walter Aseltine School
Rosetown
Telephone: 1-306-882-2644
Outlook Elementary School
Outlook
1-306-867-8653
VISION1
Prekindergarten uses a wide range of best educational practices to support young children’s total development. Prekindergarten increases future school success and life-long learning. It provides a program which is designed for three-year-olds and four-year-olds and is responsive to the needs of individual children in a learning environment that is nurturing and caring. The focus is on the healthy development of the whole child – physically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually.
Family members and caregivers are encouraged to be actively involved in both the program and in the development of their children. They are provided with opportunities to further develop their parenting skills. There are also opportunities for social and health supports.
The program is funded by the Ministry of Education through the Sun West School Division. Currently there are three prekindergarten classrooms in the school division located in Biggar, Kindersley and Rosetown. A number of local agencies within these communities as well as Heartland Health Region and the Ministry of Social Services share with the Sun West School Division in the development and support for the prekindergarten program.
1Adapted from Saskatchewan Learning (1997). Better Beginnings, Better Futures: Best Practices, Policy and Guidelines for Prekindergarten in Saskatchewan Community Schools.
GOALS
· Increased School and Life Success for Vulnerable Children:
Vulnerable children are able to achieve their full potential and to succeed in school and in life due to appropriate developmental opportunities and supports provided for them at an early age.
· High Quality Prekindergarten Programming:
Prekindergarten early childhood programming is of the highest quality. It is holistic, responsive, developmentally appropriate, and culturally affirming. It is delivered in a safe, caring, nurturing environment. Prekindergarten provides young children with the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual supports they require.
· Increased Parenting Effectiveness and Shared Responsibility:
Through their active involvement in the prekindergarten program, parents enhance their parenting skills and share responsibility for the well-being and education of their children.
PREKINDERGARTEN AT A GLANCE
What Prekindergarten Is:
· Family involvement central: Home Visits and Family Days are regularly scheduled
· Active parent/community council, community partnerships, and shared ownership
· Integrated health, social, and educational supports provided
· Developmentally-appropriate education:
o active, experiential learning through play
o comprehensive integrated program within a prepared environment
o child-centered, self-directed choice
o focused on development of the whole child; physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual
· Honoring of all cultures
· Mixed age groupings
· A minimum of 12 hours per week
· Staff with teaching degree
· Access to disciplines, such as an early childhood psychologist and a speech-language pathologist
Principles of Selection
· To serve children with the greatest need
· To achieve balance in age, gender and needs
Selection
A committee comprised of representatives of the referring agencies will meet to select children to be included in the class.
http://www.sunwestsd.ca/Employee-Portal/Forms/Module-4/403.2-2 Prekindergarten Brochure 110215.doc