Apple Valley Example

Kindergarten isn’t what it used to be. Every state determines guidelines that establish the academic standards for children entering kindergarten. Many parents are unsure of what these expectations are or how to help their child acquire the necessary skills to be successful in school.

For the past four years Apple Valley School District has provided education classes for parents of pre-schoolers who will be entering kindergarten during the next academic year. The classes meet once a month for three months on a Saturday morning for three hours. Day care and snacks are provided, along with door-prizes, free activity materials, and hands-on instruction of the materials for parent use at home with the children.

The primary information and format of the education program centers around the Get Ready, Get Set, Go book. The seven chapters have been divided into three working sessions for parent/instructor discussion, a learning activity with take-home supplies, and demonstrations of how to use the assessment tools provided in the book. The program has become popular among parents of pre-schoolers and the monthly sessions are attended by approximately 50 parents at a time. This unique grant-funded program is under the creative direction of Dr. Sue Rhoades, Apple Valley School District.