Preschool

SCUSD Preschool Programs are offered full and part day with options for ten or twelve months during the year. The programs emphasize kindergarten readiness skills, social and emotional development, physical and creative development in an active participatory learning environment. Children have the opportunity to learn individually and in small and large groups

The preschool programs are currently rated at the highest tiers, platinum and gold in the “Quality Matters... A Strong Start for kids” Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). The purpose of this initiative is to acknowledge and identify high quality early learning preschool programs in California. Programs are assessed based on the following elements: Child Observation, Developmental and Health Screening, Effective Teacher-Child Interactions, Ratios and Group Size, Environment, and Staff Training and Education

Physical development is supported by:

Promoting physical activity
Providing sufficient time to move within the indoor and outdoor spaces
Providing equipment, materials and guidelines for active play and movement

Social/Emotional development is supported by:

Building trust
Planning routines and transitions so they can occur in a predictable and unhurried manner
Help children develop emotional security and facility in social relationships

Cognitive & Language skills are supported by:

Various strategies, including experimentation, inquiry, observation, play and exploration
Providing opportunities for creative self-expression through activities such
as art, music, movement and dialogue
Promoting interaction and language use among children and between children and adults
Supporting emerging literacy and numeracy development

Ages

3 to entry into kindergarten

Ratio

Adult to child ratios are based on age groups and follow Title 5 & 22 regulations.

Program Schedule

Full and part day schedules available Monday to Friday, 10 and 12 month program available. Hours of operation vary at program sites.

Application

All families who wish to participate in either the Early Learning programs in the 2024-2025 school year must submit a common application form. Upon the completion of submitting this form, you will be contacted when a space becomes available to enroll your child.

Application Form

Application Tutorial

More Information

Contacts/Locations

Agnew Elementary School

Bowers Elementary School

Bracher Elementary School

Briarwood Elementary School

Hughes Elementary School

Mayne Elementary School

Montague Elementary School

Pomeroy Elementary School

Ponderosa Elementary School

Scott Lane Elementary School

Curriculum

Sobrato Early Academic Language (SEAL)

SEAL offers a model of intensive language development that builds a foundation for early language and literacy – beginning in preschool and continuing through the primary grades. Children use high-level, complex language to talk about what they are learning, express their feelings and thoughts, ask questions, make predictions, and think through solutions to academic and social problems and tasks. Teachers model rich, expressive language and create an environment where vocabulary and concepts come to life. Children learn through active hands on play based, project based, inquiry focused opportunities to engage their world.

High Scope

The Preschool Programs use the High Scope Curriculum approach to teaching and learning. Research based and child focused, the High Scope Curriculum uses a carefully designed process - called "active participatory learning" - to achieve powerful, positive outcomes. The High Scope Preschool Curriculum not only helps young children excel in language and cognitive learning but also promotes independence, curiosity, decision-making, cooperation, persistence, creativity, and problem solving - the fundamental skills that help determine success in adult life.

Small Group- Teachers develop intentional lessons to implement during small-group that emphasize on one or more of the content areas. A group of 6-8 children engage in the lessons which are based on their interests and developmental needs. The teacher initiates and introduces the lesson and children have opportunities to make choices about how to use the materials and freely communicate their ideas. At the end of the period, children help with cleanup.

Content Areas

Social and Emotional Development
Language and Literacy Development
English Language Development
Cognition-Math & Science
Physical Development–Health & Nutrition, Music & Movement

Large Group- Large-group time builds a sense of community. Up to 20 children and two adults come together for movement and music activities, interactive storytelling, and other shared experiences. Children have many opportunities to make choices and play the role of leader.

Planning Time-Teachers meet with their primary group of children. Children think about what they want to do and describe their plan to the group. Teachers encourage and offer extensions for the children's chosen path.

Work Time-This is the longest portion of the day where children carry out their plans or shift to new activities that interest them. Children are encouraged to make choices, decisions and initiate their own activities. Teachers act as guides and facilitators supporting children's work.

Recall Time- The "review" portion of our day, children discuss what they have done and learned, and listen to the activities of the other children.

Daily Routine - Full Day

A daily routine is a consistent framework for the day that provides a balanced variety of experiences and learning opportunities. Our daily routine includes time for indoor and outdoor experiences as well as time for child-initiated and teacher-initiated activities. The High Scope Daily Routine includes small and large group experience and the Plan-Do-Review sequence.

Full Day Preschool Daily Routine
Time	Activity	Description
7:15-9:00	Welcome	During this time morning snack is available and children direct their learning.
9:00-9:20	Large Group	A gathering time for songs, stories, movement activities, and building a sense of classroom community.
9:20-9:40	Small Group	A teacher-directed opportunity for focused activities aligned with specific learning goals.
9:40-10:50	Plan do Review	Planning Time: Children decide individually or in small groups what they'll do during Working Time. This fosters self-direction, decision-making, and social negotiations. Work Time: Children engage in their chosen activities exploring materials, and interacting with peers. Teachers observe and support but let the kids lead the play for an extended period. Recall Time: Children gather with an adult to reflect on their work time experiences. This promotes language development, memory, and helps solidify learning through conversation.
10:50-11:45	Outside time (Part day program ends at 11:45)	A crucial period of gross motor play, fresh air, and a different kind of exploration than indoor spaces provide.
11:45-1:00	Lunchtime/books/quiet time	Children are asked to wash their hands in preparation for lunchtime. Children and staff sit together during lunchtime and engage in conversation. once lunch time is complete the group transitions into nap time.
1:00-3:00	Nap Time	During nap time, children will have individual cots or mats in a space with dimmed lighting. Soft music is played to promote a calming environment. Children who sleep may do so for up to 2 hours. Children who di not sleep will be offered quiet activities on their cot/mat and remain supervised by an adult.
3:00-3:30	Snack/Child directed Learning	A nutritious snack is served family-style including a combination of food groups to provide children with a balance of nutrients. Children-directed learning is activities that are driven by children's interests, need, and natural curiosity. Teachers act as facilitators, observing children's interests and interactions and then guiding their learning experiences based on those observations.
3:30-3:50	Small Group	A teacher-directed opportunity for focused activities aligned with specific learning goals.
3:50-5:00	Plan Do Review	Reference: Plan, Do, Review above.
5:00-5:30	Storytime and Departure	A fun and interactive session designed to engage young children in the joy of storytelling and literacy.

Daily Routine - Part Day

Part Day Preschool Daily Routine
Time	Activity	Description
8:15-8:35	Welcome	During this time morning snack is available and children direct their learning.
8:35-8:55	Large Group	A gathering time for songs, stories, movement activities, and building a sense of classroom community.
8:55-9:15	Small Group	A teacher-directed opportunity for focused activities aligned with specific learning goals.
9:15-10:30	Plan do Review	Planning Time: Children decide individually or in small groups what they'll do during Working Time. This fosters self-direction, decision-making, and social negotiations. Work Time: Children engage in their chosen activities exploring materials, and interacting with peers. Teachers observe and support but let the kids lead the play for an extended period. Recall Time: Children gather with an adult to reflect on their work time experiences. This promotes language development, memory, and helps solidify learning through conversation. Snack: A nutritious snack is served family style including a combination of
10:30-11:15	Outside time/ Departure	A crucial period of gross motor, play, fresh air, and a different kind of exploration than indoor spaces provide.

Tuition

Fee Schedule

Annual registration fees is due at time of enrollment and is paid annually in July.
12 month- Bracher, Briarwood, Mayne, Montague, Pomeroy, Ponderosa
Agnew, Bowers, & Hughes
10 month- Early Learning Month Fee Schedule- Part Day

Tuition Assistance

Tuition assistance is available at Bowers, Bracher, Briarwood, Hughes, Mayne, Montague and Scott Lane. Full and part day services are available.
Families qualify for services based on family size and income

Family Size and Gross Monthly Income
1-2 Family Members	$7,209
3 Family Members	$8,154
4 Family Members	$9,441
5 Family Members	$10,952
6 Family Members	$12,462
7 Family Members	$12,745
8 Family Members	$13,029

Enrollment Priorities for Tuition Assistance
- First: Child is recipient of Child Protective Services or At-Risk of being neglected, abused or exploited
- Second: Child with exceptional needs from income eligible family (Enroll in income ranking order)
- Third: Eligible 4 year old not enrolled in Transitional Kindergarten. Within each income ranking prioritize as follows:
  - Exceptional needs child
  - Dual Language Learner
- Fourth: Eligible 3 year old. Within each income ranking prioritize as follows:
  - Exceptional needs child
  - Dual Language Learner
- Fifth: Family income is not more than 15% above income threshold. Prioritize as follows: (limited to 10% of funded enrollment)
  - Exceptional needs child
  - 4 year old child
  - 3 year old child
- Sixth: Approved CSPP site operating within attendance boundaries of a qualified Free or Reduced Price Meals school, 3 or 4 year old child may be enrolled without establishing eligibility
- Seventh: Children enrolling to provide expanded learning & care
  to transitional kindergarten or kindergarten pupils may be enrolled in a wraparound setting if family meets eligibility criteria

Calendar

Enrollment Questions?

fce_enroll@scusd.net

408-423-3522

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Contact

Nancy Morin-Roman
Program Administrator -
Early Learning
(408) 423- 3679
nmorin@scusd.net

Corina Britton
Secretary - Early and Extended Learning
(408) 423-3687
cbritton@scusd.net

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