It's A Good Day in Pre-K

Welcome to Pre-K! My name is Mike Burns and I am the Early Learning Principal with Questar III BOCES who oversees all of the Pre-K programs which your children attend. Each month I will send a memo with important information, pictures, tips, or news that is happening in our Pre-K rooms. I am in your child's classroom often and hope to build meaningful relationships with them. I look forward to working with you this school year!

Let's face it, going back to school isn't always the easiest for students or for parents. The start of a new school year brings anxiety, fear, but also happiness and joy. Don't stress! We are here to help you every step of the way! Attached please find some resources on how to help with the stress.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/tips-less-stressful-start-preschool/

This year your child will be assessed three times using a global screener called the Speed DIAL-4 and The Get Set for School Pre-K assessments. The Speed DIAL- is given within the first few weeks of school. It is a screening tool used to assess children in the abilities of motor, concepts and language. The purpose is to determine whether your child is developing within the average range for their age or where there may be a possible delay in development. If there is a delay, it is nothing to worry about! These screeners help the teachers to focus on areas to help your children grow.

Our Pre-K curriculum is the Pre-Kindergarten Early Learning Standards. https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/early-learning/pk-standards-resource-web-revised-2021.pdf. The program we use to meet these standards is called Learning Without Tears. Throughout the year we will assess your children twice, once in the fall and once in the spring. These assessments address our Pre-K students growth in language and literacy, numbers and math, and readiness and writing skills.

Your child's teacher can review this information with you during parent teacher conferences. I can also discuss these further or share resources for you if you would like to learn more.

While we like to limit assessments these really do help us get a snapshot of your children and to ensure they are kindergarten ready in the spring!

Your children will follow their school district's calendar. There will be times where our teachers have professional development days and there will be no classes. These dates will be shared with you ahead of time so you can prepare.

In the case of inclement weather and/or school closings please watch local news and/or text alerts sent from your district.

Research shows that reading aloud to your children, listening to an audio story in the car, or telling a story at naptime, improves their cognitive development. It's true!

Questions? Concerns? Let me know!

Email: michael.burns@questar.org
Website: www.questar.org
Phone: (518) 479-6898