For More Info
More information about Monroe's 4-year-old kindergarten is available by calling Tina VanMeer at Abraham Lincoln Accelerated Learning Academy at 328-7172 or by e-mailing her at tina.vanmeer@monroe.k12.wi.us.
MONROE - Parents have plenty of choices when it comes to enrolling their children in Monroe's 4-year-old kindergarten program.
Monroe's program still is relatively new. It began as a pilot program in 2005 and expanded to a regular offering that fall. It's now offered at seven locations, including sites at two schools, several preschools, a daycare center and the Green County YMCA.
It's proven to be popular with families, Northside Elementary School Principal Cory Hirsbrunner said, noting 93 percent of eligible children attend. That amounts to just fewer than 150 students.
Attending 4K allows children a chance to get prepared for kindergarten, offered as an all-day program for 5-year-olds. It's a social-based program with some academics included. It runs three hours per day, Monday through Thursday. Some sites offer both a morning and afternoon session.
"It's universal preschool for all children," Hirsbrunner said. She served as District 4K Coordinator until Tina VanMeer, Abraham Lincoln Accelerated Learning principal, took over that role earlier this year.
Each location offers a slightly different experience for children, although the same curriculum is followed at each site. For example, St. Victor School offers 4K students a chance to participate in music and gym, while the Y program includes gymnastics and swimming.
"It's a great balance among the sites," Hirsbrunner said.
Teachers are employed by the sponsoring site and are certified by the Department of Public Instruction.
The school district receives funding for each child enrolled, and in turns pays sites to conduct the program. District Business Administrator Ron Olson said the program does help the district financially, bringing in more dollars than it costs to run.
But perhaps more important are the long-range financial and academic benefits the 4K program provides, he said.
Research shows pre-kindergarten programs result in fewer students needing special education down the road. "There's fewer kids having to catch up later on," Olson said. Not only is that good for students, it also helps the district save money on more costly special education in the long term.
There is no cost for children to attend 4-year-old kindergarten, except at a few sites. Options for enrollments are:
• Abraham Lincoln Accelerated Learning Academy, a.m. and p.m.
• Ding-a-Dong Preschool, a.m. and p.m.
• Monroe Preschool, a.m. Early morning drop-off care is available for a fee.
• Noah's Ark, a.m. and p.m. Wrap around care is available for a fee.
• Rainbow Childcare, a.m. and p.m. Students enrolled full-time at Rainbow will be given top priority. Wrap around care is available for a fee.
• St. Victor School, a.m. and p.m. Cost is $85 per month.
• YMCA, p.m. Weekly swimming and gymnastics provided.
Most families get their first choice in program location. "There's more spaces than kids," Hirsbrunner said.
Families are encouraged to secure a spot by applying before the March 7 deadline and indicating second and third choices in the event their first-choice program is filled.
Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2008, to be eligible. Priority will be given to 4-year-olds. Children who are 5 years old will be considered if space is available.
Optional bus transportation for the 4K program is also be available. Hirsbrunner and VanMeer agreed busing is the only aspect of the program that can be problematic and not ideal for all families.
Rural morning session students will ride regular bus routes to school and door-to-door transportation home will be offered. Rural afternoon sessions can get door-to-door pickup to school and then ride regular bus routes home. Students living in town will be offered a pick-up where students can be picked up or dropped off. In-town students can get door-to-door transportation one way, as well.
"It's not ideal for 4-year-olds," Hirsbrunner said, adding it's the best solution the district can offer.
More specific information about bus transportation will be available at a later date.
Information about placement, supplies, fees, busing, required paperwork and immunizations will be sent to parents by April 15.
Monroe's program still is relatively new. It began as a pilot program in 2005 and expanded to a regular offering that fall. It's now offered at seven locations, including sites at two schools, several preschools, a daycare center and the Green County YMCA.
It's proven to be popular with families, Northside Elementary School Principal Cory Hirsbrunner said, noting 93 percent of eligible children attend. That amounts to just fewer than 150 students.
Attending 4K allows children a chance to get prepared for kindergarten, offered as an all-day program for 5-year-olds. It's a social-based program with some academics included. It runs three hours per day, Monday through Thursday. Some sites offer both a morning and afternoon session.
"It's universal preschool for all children," Hirsbrunner said. She served as District 4K Coordinator until Tina VanMeer, Abraham Lincoln Accelerated Learning principal, took over that role earlier this year.
Each location offers a slightly different experience for children, although the same curriculum is followed at each site. For example, St. Victor School offers 4K students a chance to participate in music and gym, while the Y program includes gymnastics and swimming.
"It's a great balance among the sites," Hirsbrunner said.
Teachers are employed by the sponsoring site and are certified by the Department of Public Instruction.
The school district receives funding for each child enrolled, and in turns pays sites to conduct the program. District Business Administrator Ron Olson said the program does help the district financially, bringing in more dollars than it costs to run.
But perhaps more important are the long-range financial and academic benefits the 4K program provides, he said.
Research shows pre-kindergarten programs result in fewer students needing special education down the road. "There's fewer kids having to catch up later on," Olson said. Not only is that good for students, it also helps the district save money on more costly special education in the long term.
There is no cost for children to attend 4-year-old kindergarten, except at a few sites. Options for enrollments are:
• Abraham Lincoln Accelerated Learning Academy, a.m. and p.m.
• Ding-a-Dong Preschool, a.m. and p.m.
• Monroe Preschool, a.m. Early morning drop-off care is available for a fee.
• Noah's Ark, a.m. and p.m. Wrap around care is available for a fee.
• Rainbow Childcare, a.m. and p.m. Students enrolled full-time at Rainbow will be given top priority. Wrap around care is available for a fee.
• St. Victor School, a.m. and p.m. Cost is $85 per month.
• YMCA, p.m. Weekly swimming and gymnastics provided.
Most families get their first choice in program location. "There's more spaces than kids," Hirsbrunner said.
Families are encouraged to secure a spot by applying before the March 7 deadline and indicating second and third choices in the event their first-choice program is filled.
Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2008, to be eligible. Priority will be given to 4-year-olds. Children who are 5 years old will be considered if space is available.
Optional bus transportation for the 4K program is also be available. Hirsbrunner and VanMeer agreed busing is the only aspect of the program that can be problematic and not ideal for all families.
Rural morning session students will ride regular bus routes to school and door-to-door transportation home will be offered. Rural afternoon sessions can get door-to-door pickup to school and then ride regular bus routes home. Students living in town will be offered a pick-up where students can be picked up or dropped off. In-town students can get door-to-door transportation one way, as well.
"It's not ideal for 4-year-olds," Hirsbrunner said, adding it's the best solution the district can offer.
More specific information about bus transportation will be available at a later date.
Information about placement, supplies, fees, busing, required paperwork and immunizations will be sent to parents by April 15.