REGISTER ONLINE
starting April 1, 2025
Registration will be open April 1-11, 2025.
An informational meeting will be held for parents at Orchard Hill Elementary on May 8, 6 p.m.
On May 14, students selected into the program will have a chance to visit the classroom.
What is a Kindergarten Prep Program?
A Kindergarten Prep program is a transitional kindergarten program designed to serve as a bridge between the preschool and kindergarten program. Some students need a little more time to develop academically, socially, and emotionally and would benefit from having an extra year before beginning a “typical” kindergarten program. The students are taught by a certified teacher.
How is this program different from Kindergarten?
Kindergarten standards, assessment and reporting activities will be applied in the same way as all other kindergarten classrooms; however, the Kindergarten Prep teacher will be able to slow the pace of instruction to allow more time to meet the needs of the students. Additionally, more time will be spent on social-emotional activities. The students will be introduced to kindergarten standards, but it is possible that they may have difficulty meeting all of these standards by the end of the school year. Students are considered kindergarten students and will be required to participate in state-wide kindergarten assessments.
Will students in Kindergarten Prep have access to the same activities and opportunities as kindergarten students?
Students in this program will have the same opportunities as kindergarten students and will participate in art, P.E., and music.
How will students be selected for this program?
This classroom will have approximately 20 students. If we have more students register than we have available space, placement will be determined based on early fall and summer birthdates and previous educational experiences. We may find it necessary to ask parents to bring their children in for a short assessment.
What are the school hours?
Kindergarten Prep will follow the same calendar and hours as the Cedar Falls Elementary School Kindergarten program.
School Day
8:30 a.m. Breakfast and supervision begins
8:45 a.m. Instructional day begins
3:45 p.m. School dismissed (School will dismiss at 1:50 p.m. on Wednesdays.)
Is transportation provided?
Transportation by school bus shall be available without cost, in accordance with the Code of Iowa and Board Policy 702.1. Students in grades K-6 residing more than two miles from the attendance center, except that the distance limitation may be reduced by the administration to one mile in instances where traffic and/or walking conditions are adjudged to warrant the reduction.
Why can’t my child take another year of preschool instead?
The Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program is only available to children who are not kindergarten age-eligible. The school district does not receive state funding for kindergarten age-eligible students to attend preschool.
Why are children in Kindergarten Prep considered to be retained if they move to kindergarten the next year?
The District must report Kindergarten Prep students to the state as kindergarten students in order to receive state funding. Retention is defined as any action taken to maintain a student in the current grade for an additional consecutive year. Districts must use this definition to determine which learners have been retained.
What if my child is ready for 1st grade after spending a year in Kindergarten Prep?
If it is determined that the student has mastered the kindergarten standards, a team consisting of the teachers, administrator, and parents will determine the next steps.