Young Fives Program

[Tim]

I am considering implementing a Young Fives Program at the parochial school that I am the Board of Ed Chairperson of. The school is in Michigan...

Can any of you professional teachers give me some insights into the Opposing View Points and the Supporting View Points for Young Fives? Where can I find some good research on this type of program?

Please pardon me because I am an engineer and volunteering to serve as the board's leader.

Thanks!!

Tim R.

[Tim]

I was really hoping for some input.

[orlandoteacher]

Opposing- Is it open to all students or will you screen for the "highest performers" or "lowest perfomers?" Is it based on economic standing? Is it full-day and exhaustive for the young children? Will the teachers be ZA Endorsed?

Supporting- Is there a high need in your school district for additional support in the early years? Are there plenty of qualified Early Childhood Educators? Is transportation provided for those that need it? Before/after care? Can you show statistics that have improved academic achievement from districts similiar to yours, who have a pre-k program?

Just some ideas, hope that helps!

[Tim]

Thanks for your input. I'll try to give you answers and comments to your note....

1. The program will be open to all children. It will be up to the parents. There will be no screening or pushing towards Young Fives.... just offering a service to parents who think their kids are not ready for kidergarten.

2. It will be half day afternoons for five days.

3. I don't know what ZA Endorsed means. Can you explain this to me?

4. I think there is a market for Young Fives in our area. We lost some potential K'garteners to another local Young Fives program. I think we can fill a class of 12 students.

5. I don't know if there are plenty of qualified Early Childhood teachers... we will do a search and advertise agressively if we pursue this program.

6. Transportation is not provided.

7. We do have student care in the early morning and after school. Parents pay extra money for this service, but we do offer it.

8. I don't have statistics that show improvement in academic achievement. But, I'm sure I would believe statistics in either case (opposing view or supporting view). I mean, you can't compare how a child would do in Young Fives and Kindergarten; its one or the other. I plan to gather anecdotal evidence based on verbatims from parents and teachers.

If you have any more comments, please let me know. Thanks for your time in responding.