Pre-K helps children begin to associate more with their peers, and it focuses some on academic topics, but more on helping children learn how to relate to one another, how to follow a daily schedule, how to perform self-help tasks such as tying on shoes, putting on jackets and sweaters, handwashing and other things that children will need to be able to do in kindergarten.
NC Pre-K has some helpful information for families about the curriculum. They also broadcast shows for children and their parents to show what kinds of lessons they will be learning, on your local PBS stations or streaming on the PBS app.
- Classroom Connection features PBS KIDS favorites alongside North Carolina educators. This short-form learning series will deliver engaging math and literacy lessons developed by and featuring North Carolina teachers, aimed at Pre-K through third grade students to support their at-home learning.
- Classroom Connection airs math lessons Mondays and Thursdays at 8 AM and 9 AM on PBS NC, and literacy lessons Tuesdays and Fridays at 8 AM and 9 AM on PBS NC.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) says that kindergarten readiness is not just about knowing the ABC’s and 123’s, or other academic measures of preparation for pre-K aged children. “People used to think children were ready for kindergarten if they could say the ABC’s, count, identify colors, and write their first name. Readiness was always more complicated than that, and new brain research is helping us understand what readiness really is. Readiness doesn’t mean just knowing the academic basics. It means a child has a willing attitude and confidence in the process of learning: a healthy state of mind.”
NC Pre-K aims to bridge the gap for children who have not had previous child care or preschool experience and make sure that all children have a good start once they reach kindergarten. According to the Learning Policy Institute, “Students who attend preschool programs are more prepared for school and are less likely to be identified as having special needs or to be held back in elementary school than children who did not attend preschool. Studies also show clear positive effects on children’s early literacy and mathematics skills.”
Not only does enrollment in pre-K help children prepare for kindergarten, but it can also empower the family to have more earning power, whenever a parent who has been caring for a child at home is able to enter the job market when their child starts pre-K. The program is a holistic approach to help children attain success in school, as well as to help the family attain success in the community. All parents with eligible children are encouraged to seek out and enroll in the NC Pre-K program in their counties during their county’s application period.
To start your pre-K search, you can get a listing of pre-K programs that meet your family’s criteria by calling our Child Care Referral Central program at 1-855-327-5933, or by going online and conducting a search for pre-K. We are always glad to take your call and can help you identify the pre-K programs that most closely meet the goals you have for your children’s educational enrichment experiences to prepare them for kindergarten.
