Early Learning

Pre –Kindergarten

The key elements of the Sun West Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) program are:

developmentally appropriate education;
active, experiential learning through play;
comprehensive integrated program within a prepared environment;
child-centered, self-directed choice;
focused on development of the whole child; physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual;
honouring of all cultures;
mixed-age groupings;
a minimum of 12 hours per week;
offered by staff with teaching degrees;
one Educational Assistant in the class;
enrollment limited to 16 students.

What schools offer Pre-K?

The following schools offer a Pre-K program:

How are students selected for Pre-K?

Prekindergarten is a targeted program prioritizing three- and four- year- old children living in vulnerable circumstances in the community. Research demonstrates that high quality early learning programs, such as Prekindergarten, have both short and long-term benefits in the lives of children. A school-based team from each school will select children to be included in the class.

How are children referred children to Pre-K?

Parents and any agency, with the consent of the family or the parent(s) can refer children to Pre-K. Among the agencies that have made referrals are:

The Saskatchewan Health Authority including Public Health Nurses, Family Support Workers, and Early Childhood Therapists;
Ministry of Social Services;
Early Childhood Intervention Programs;
Parent Support Programs;
Parent Mentoring Programs;
Schools;
Licensed daycares and play schools.

Where are referral forms available?

Referral forms are available at Biggar Central School 2000, Outlook Elementary School, Walter Aseltine School, Westberry School, the Biggar Family Support Centre, Public Health offices and the Sun West School Division Office.

For further information, contact:

Chris Oscar

Superintendent of School Operations

Sun West School Division

Phone: 1 (306) 882-2677

Toll-Free: 1 (866) 375-2677

chris.oscar@sunwestsd.ca

Core Documents

Essential Learning Experiences

Pre-Kindergarten Essentials

Play and Exploration

Assessment

Ages and Stages Questionnaire- 3

Other

Early Learning Intensive Supports (ELIS)- Family Brochure

Sample Daily Schedule

Maximizing Early Learning Spaces

Responsive Teaching Practices and Assessment in Early Learning Programs

Links

EDonline – Early Learning Teaching Tools and Supports website

Kindergarten

Kindergarten is a play-based program that weaves literacy and numeracy opportunities throughout the school day. A balance between teacher led and child directed opportunities should be the norm. Teachers should aim for at least 60- 90minutes of child directed play connected to purposeful curricular outcomes throughout the day. Teachers of split grade classes are encouraged to incorporate hands- on, experiential opportunities for their class as much as possible.

Sample Daily Schedule

Sample Schedule

Core Documents

Children First: A Resource for Kindergarten

Kindergarten Curriculum

Play and Exploration

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Assessment Schedule

Early Years Evaluation (EYE)

When - In the fall all teachers will be notified by email when the EYE windows are opening. In the spring, only students who scored yellow or red in the fall, will be notified by email when the EYE windows are opening.

Resources - Prior to the data window opening, teachers will be emailed their own user name and password. Teachers can explore the site prior to receiving your personal credentials using the following:

EYE login page