In order to help you and your child prepare for that all-important next big step, kindergarten, we have designed the Focus Five: Kindergarten Readiness Program. We are excited to offer this new and one of a kind program - free of charge, of course! This program has been developed based on universal and specific readiness skills as identified by the Johnstown Kindergarten teachers. Children who turn 4 years old on or before December 1, 2023 and plan to enter the Johnstown School District’s kindergarten program in the Fall of 2024 are eligible to participate.
Is your child ready for kindergarten?
These are some of the expectations for kids heading into kindergarten in September.
*State first and last name when asked *Work toward writing first name with first letter uppercase & remaining letters lowercase*Know all letters in their first name*Identify some upper and lowercase letters*Use appropriate three-finger grasp when using writing instruments (pencil, crayons) *Use appropriate grasp with thumb up when using scissors to cut along a line *Know basic colors (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, white, brown, pink) *Be able to identify basic geometric shapes (triangle, circle, square, rectangle) *Count to twenty *Identify numerals 0-10 in random order *Use finger to accurately touch count items to ten*Know concepts of print (front & back cover of book, turn pages in correct order, track words left to right)*Be able to rhyme words*Retell simple stories in sequence *Adjust own clothing before and after using the restroom*Use restroom independently including washing hands*Take off and put on outer clothing; zip or snap, put on boots/shoes *Sit for a story for 5-10 minutes*Clean up after themselves*Share materials and toys with other children *Be confident and ready to separate from parent *Be able to listen and follow 1-3 step directions *Be able to solve problems without aggression *Accept losing without aggression*Be able to wait for turn*Wipe and blow nose independently
Each group has a limited number of spaces, in order to allow for individual attention and instruction. Ideally, the same group of kids will attend all sessions within a group together. This will assist them in sharing, making friends, and being comfortable in this new setting. Attendance at this program is for the registered child only (no siblings or adults). This is because one of the very first skills a child needs for school is to “be confident and ready to separate from parent”. There will be two adults in the room in case your child needs to be brought to you for any reason. We require a cell phone number on the day of the session. Obviously, you must stay in the building while your child is attending the program. After your child completes all five sessions, they will get a special certificate and feel more confident about starting school. We will also provide you with a very basic and informal kindergarten checklist assessment based on what we observe. You may sign your child up to repeat the program, but they will be put on the alternate list. If there is space available, we will contact you to let you know. This helps ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to participate before next fall when they will enter kindergarten.
SPACE IS LIMITED REGISTER NOW
Stop by the front desk or call to register (518) 762-8317 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9-6; Friday 9-4; Saturday 10-1
38 South Market Street / Johnstown NY 12095 (518) 762-8317
We will offer different groups over the course of the 2023-24 school year. At this time, we are only taking registration for the three groups listed below.
Please choose the ONE group that best works with your schedule.
Group 1 Wednesdays, 10:00 September 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th and October 4th
Group 2 Wednesdays, 12:00 November 1st, 8th, 15th, 29th, and December 6th
Group 3 Wednesdays, 10:00 January 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9-6; Friday 9-4; Saturday 10-1.