Preschool 4 year olds: Preschool Programs for Ages 3

Preschool / Overview

• Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool offers preschool classes, which prepare children for kindergarten. The preschool curriculum is closely aligned with the Anoka-Hennepin School District kindergarten curriculum, and licensed teachers monitor child’s progress and development throughout the school year. All preschool classrooms are inclusive of children with a wide range of abilities. Children gain important skills and experiences: 

  • Learning to follow routines and rules.
  • Learning to get along with other children.
  • Literacy, books, and writing.
  • Math and number sense, science, art, and music.

  Classes are held from September to May or June each school year at locations throughout the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Multiple class options are available with morning, afternoon, evening, and Saturday class times. 

  Learn about preschool for the 2022-23 school year.

  Registration is now open for preschool 2022-23. Need assistance? We’re here to help!

   

  
  Instructional focus

  Licensed teachers work with students to practice and target the following learning areas:

  • Social-emotional development
  • Physical development
  • Language skills
  • Cognitive development
  • Literacy
  • Math 

   

  2022-23 Preschool registration brochure

   

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• Free, half-day (Mon.-Thurs.) preschool option with transportation included.

  Option 1 is open to families who meet all three requirements:

  1) Residents of the Anoka-Hennepin School District with a child four years of age by Sept. 1 of the current school year.
  2) Meet income guidelines, and live in or attend child care in the following school attendance areas:

  • Champlin Brooklyn Park Academy: Champlin Brooklyn Park Academy, Dayton and Oxbow Creek Elementary Schools attendance areas.
  • Hoover Elementary School: Hamilton and Hoover Elementary Schools attendance areas.
  • Lord of Life Church in Ramsey: Brookside, Franklin, and Ramsey Elementary Schools attendance areas.
  • Coon Rapids Preschool and Family Place: Mississippi and Morris Bye Elementary Schools attendance areas. 
  • Sorteberg Early Childhood Center: Eisenhower, Jefferson, Johnsville, Sand Creek, and Sunrise Elementary Schools attendance areas.
  • Wilson Elementary School: Andover, Crooked Lake, Lincoln, and Wilson Elementary Schools attendance areas.

  and
  3) Live in or attend child care in the attendance area of the schools listed above.

  Register for Option 1 – Four-year-old Preschool.

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• Free, half-day (Mon. – Fri.) preschool option with transportation included. No income eligibility guidelines.

  Option 2 is open to families who are:

  1) Residents of the Anoka-Hennepin School District* with a child four years of age by Sept. 1 of the current school year, and
  2) Live in or attend child care in the attendance area of the following elementary schools:

  • • Adams Elementary School
    • Evergreen Park Elementary School
    • Madison Elementary School
    • Monroe Elementary School
    • University Avenue Elementary School

  *If you are not a resident of the Anoka-Hennepin School District, see option 3.

  Register for Option 2 – Four-year-old Preschool.

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• Half-day preschool classes with multiple-day class options, parents provide their own transportation. Four-year-old preschool options include evening and Saturday class options.

  Open to families with a child three years of age by Sept. 1 of the current school year. 

  Register for Option 3 – Three-Year-Old-Preschool.
  Register for Option 3 – Four-Year-Old Preschool.

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• View the recording of the Preschool Information Night – March 22, 2022.

  You will hear from our teaching staff about the variety of Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool programs, the curriculum, and their classrooms.

  Learn about the variety of options available to find the best fit for your child. We know the pressure to get preschool “right” makes many parents anxious. Don’t worry – we are here for you!

  If you have questions about Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool call 763-506-1500 or email your questions.

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• During our recent Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool Information Night, we were excited to share the experiences of Ellie who attends preschool at Riverview Early Childhood Center in Brooklyn Park. Watch to see how high-quality early education is making a huge difference for our youngest learners.

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• There are 35 preschool classrooms across the school district. From early learning centers to elementary schools to high schools, all classrooms are inviting and engaging. 

  Preschool Instructor, Megan Blatchley, gives families a tour of a preschool classroom at Sorteberg Early Childhood Center in Coon Rapids. All Anoka-Hennepin Preschool classrooms use a play-based curriculum and have similar activity centers to help children learn and grow.

  
  

• View the early learning site directory for addresses and phone numbers for Anoka-Hennepin Schools early childhood family education (ECFE) and preschool sites.

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• As a parent, you want to be sure that your child is ready for kindergarten after attending preschool. Licensed preschool teachers attend joint staff development sessions with teachers teaching students in kindergarten – grade three to closely align curriculum goals and academic progress. In addition, Anoka-Hennepin School District early learning and preschool programs use a common assessment tool to evaluate student learning, which is aligned with district-wide kindergarten-readiness benchmarks. 

  The preschool curriculum provides students with a wide variety of learning experiences:

  • Social skills
  • Art and music
  • Science
  • Dramatic play
  • Writing
  • Library and books
  • Math and number sense
  • Large muscle
  • Pre-kindergarten skills
  • Strategic thinking skills with blocks, games, and puzzles

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• Some Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool classrooms are located at each Anoka-Hennepin Schools’ high school, in addition to school district early childhood centers and family places. Take a look at what preschool looks like in one of the classrooms at Anoka-Hennepin Schools’ Champlin Park High School.

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• The Anoka-Hennepin ECFE/Preschool Parent Advisory Council (PAC) provides input and support to the ECFE and the Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool programs. 

  PAC members:

  • Serve as a resource to staff on programming.
  • Discuss outreach efforts.
  • Raise funds.
  • Sponsor events.
  • Review and approve classroom grant requests.

  Attending Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meetings is a great way to learn more about school district programs and make personal connections with other families.

  Meetings are typically held the second Monday of each month during the school year from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Child care is provided with advance notice. 

  Visit our webpage for more information: ahschools.us/ecfepac

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  Contact

  Preschool office, 2727 N. Ferry St., Anoka, MN 55303
  Phone: 763-506-1500
  Email: [email protected]
  Office hours: Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Preschool Prep: Helping Toddlers Prepare for Preschool

Learn what you can do to make this big transition to preschool easier for your child. You’ll find a timeline for all the things that need to be done to help toddlers prepare for preschool and guidance on saying a “good good-bye” on your child’s first day.

If your child is starting preschool, you may be approaching this major milestone with conflicting emotions. You’re probably excited about all the fun (you hope) your child will have and the new friends he’ll make. At the same time, you may feel a little sad that your baby is venturing out into the big world without you. These emotions are normal. Your child is also bound to have a host of feelings about this transition, feeling proud to be a big kid but at the same time worried about being separated from you and starting something unfamiliar. Here are a few tips to help toddlers prepare for preschool.

There’s a lot you can do in the weeks before to get ready for the big day. But try to keep your efforts low-key. If you make too big a deal out of this milestone, your child may end up being more worried than excited. Here are some ideas to keep the focus on fun.

Use pretend play to help toddlers prepare for preschool.

Take turns being the parent, child, and teacher. Act out common daily routines, such as saying good-bye to mommy and/or daddy, taking off your coat, singing songs, reading stories, having Circle Time, playing outside, and taking naps. Reassure your child that preschool is a good place where she will have fun and learn. Answer her questions patiently. This helps children feel more in control which reduces their anxiety.

Read books about preschool.

There are many books about going to preschool available from the public library in your area. Choose several to share with your child over the summer before school starts. Talk about the story and how the characters are feeling. Ask how your child is feeling.

Make a game out of practicing self-help skills.

These skills include unzipping her coat, hanging her coat on a hook, putting on her backpack, fastening her shoes. For example, you might want to have a “race” with your child to see how quickly she can put on her shoes. When you play school together, you can give your child the chance to practice taking off her coat, zipping her backpack closed, and sitting “criss-cross applesauce.” If your child will be bringing lunch, pack it up one day before school starts and have a picnic together. This will give her the chance to practice unzipping her lunch box and unwrapping her sandwich—important skills for the first day!

Play at your new preschool.

Visit your child’s preschool together. Ask when you can tour the school with your child. Play on the school playground a few times before your child starts the program. These visits help toddlers prepare for preschool and increase their comfort with and confidence in this new setting.

Worries and Watching

Your child may also have some questions or concerns about starting preschool, either before or after he starts in the fall. Help him get ready with these two key strategies:

Listen to your child’s worries.

Although it’s tempting to quickly reassure your child and move on, it’s important to let your child know that his worries have been heard. No matter what they are, big or small, children’s worries about preschool can significantly influence their experience there. Will you remember to pick him up in the afternoon? Will his teacher be nice?

Let your child know it’s normal to feel happy, sad, excited, scared, or worried. Explain that starting something new can feel scary and that lots of people feel that way. It can be helpful to share a time when you started something new and how you felt. When you allow your child to share her worries, you can help her think through how to deal with them. For example, if she is worried about missing you, the two of you can make a book of family photos to keep in her cubby and look at when she is lonely.

Notice nonverbal messages.

As much as 3-year-olds may talk, most are not yet able to fully explain how they are feeling or what they are worried about. Your child may “act out” his worry by clinging, becoming withdrawn, or by being more aggressive. Another common reaction as children take a big move forward is to actually move backward in other areas. For example, if your child is fully potty trained, he may start have toileting accidents. He may ask that you feed or dress him even though he can do these things by himself.

It is natural to be frustrated by this regressed behavior, and you may be concerned that if you do these things for him, he won’t go back to doing them himself. In fact, letting him play this out often leads to children returning to their “big kid” selves sooner. Remember that your child is facing—and managing—a big change in his life. He may need more support, nurturing, and patience from you while he makes this transition.

The Preschool Countdown: What to Do and When

The last few weeks before starting preschool seem to fly by! As you begin the countdown to the first day, here are some things to keep in mind:

During the 2 Weeks Before Preschool Starts:

• Purchase a backpack together with your child. If possible, let your child choose it himself. This gives him a sense of control and emphasizes the fact that he is a “big kid” starting preschool.
• Label all items—backpack, jacket, shoes, blanket, teddy bear, etc.—with your child’s name and teacher’s name in permanent ink.
• Contact the preschool’s health professional if your child has medication that he or she takes on a daily basis. There will be special rules and forms to fill out for your child to receive medication at school.
• Figure out how your child will get to school and how she will come home. Talk to your child about the morning and afternoon routine so that she understands that she will be safe, okay, and cared for. Make sure your child meets her before- and/or after-school caregiver, if you are using one.
• Start using your child’s “school bedtime.” Children often go to bed later as the summer months, and longer days, kick in. Help your child get into a preschool schedule by keeping to his school bedtime, beginning about 2 weeks before school starts.

The Night Before Preschool:

• Answer any last-minute questions from your child.
• Let your child choose (weather- and school-appropriate) clothes for her first day.
• Make sure that your child goes to bed on time.
• Pick a bedtime that gives your child a good night’s rest before the first day. Keep the bedtime routine soothing and relaxing. Don’t focus too much (or at all!) on the first day of school unless he wants to.

The First Day:

• Wake up early enough so that you and your child don’t have to rush to get to preschool.
• Make breakfast for your child and, if possible, sit down to eat together—or at least talk with her as she eats and you get ready.
• Review the day’s routine (what preschool will be like, how your child will get to school/come home).
• Pack your child’s backpack together. If your child is bringing lunch, select foods that you know are his favorites. Having some familiarity on his first day is helpful as he adjusts to so many changes.
• Let your child choose a special stuffed animal or blanket to bring to school with her. These “loveys” can help children make the transition from home to school, and can also make naptime easier, too. You may want to send your child with a family photo or favorite book as well. These familiar objects can help if she feels lonely during the day.

Saying a Good Good-Bye

These strategies can help toddlers prepare for preschool and ease the jitters of separating on your child’s first day.

Plan to stay a little while.

Staying for 15-30 minutes on that first morning can help ease the transition. Together, the two of you can explore the classroom, meet some other children, play with a few toys. When you see that your child is comfortable, it is time to leave. If he is having a harder time getting engaged, you may want to ask your child’s teacher to stay with your child as you say good-bye so that when you leave, he can turn to another caring adult for support.

Keep your tone positive and upbeat.

Children pick up on the reactions of the trusted adults in their lives. So try not to look worried or sad, and don’t linger too long. Say a quick, upbeat good-bye and reassure your child that all will be well.

Think about creating a special good-bye routine.

For example, you can give your child a kiss on the palm to “hold” all day long. Or, the two of you can sing a special song together before you leave. Good-bye routines are comforting to children and help them understand and prepare for what will happen next.

Resist the Rescue.

Try not to run back in the classroom if you hear your child crying, as upsetting as this can be. This is a big change and your child may, quite understandably, feel sad and a little scared. But if you run back in, it sends the message that he is only okay if you are there and it is likely to prolong your child’s distress and make it harder for him to adapt. Rest assured, teachers have many years of experience with helping families make the shift to preschool. Instead, you can wait outside the classroom for a few minutes to ensure that all is well, or call the school later in the morning to check in.

Universal preschool for Colorado 4-year-olds nears approval

The universal preschool bill will soon head to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Allison Shelley / The Verbatim Agency for EDUimages

Inside Colorado’s free preschool initiative

Tuition-free preschool for Colorado 4-year-olds moved a step closer to fruition Thursday with a key vote in the state Senate, marking one of the last hurdles before Gov. Jared Polis signs the bill into law.

Lawmakers in the House still need to approve Senate amendments to the bill, which lays out how the state’s new early childhood agency and universal preschool program will run. It should head to the governor’s desk soon.

Universal preschool will roll out in the summer of 2023, providing 10 hours of preschool to 4-year-olds statewide regardless of family income. Funding will come from the state’s existing preschool program, which serves children with certain risk factors, and from proceeds of a nicotine tax Colorado voters approved in 2020. 

The new program represents a big win for Polis, who pledged on the campaign trail in 2018 to launch universal preschool and is up for reelection later this year. It also represents a sea change for Colorado, dramatically expanding the government’s early education footprint with the hope that more children will get early experiences that help them succeed in school. 

The Senate passed the bill Thursday on a 24-11 vote, with most Republicans voting no. 

Earlier in the week, after the bill passed the second of three votes in the Senate, several lawmakers spoke passionately about the potential of the new preschool program and state agency. 

Sen. Janet Buckner, an Aurora Democrat and one of the bill’s sponsors, said the new department will be a one-stop shop for parents, cutting the hassle of going from agency to agency to apply for different programs.  

“Parents can go to one place to find out what they are eligible for and not leave services on the table,” she said.

Sen. Julie Gonzales, a Denver Democrat, said greater access to early education will help close achievement gaps early on. 

“This is one of the most concrete ways that we have to advance structural equity as we continue to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic,” she said. 

Other lawmakers criticized the bill. 

Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Brighton Republican, said the new preschool program will create a new entitlement program that dwarfs other publicly funded social programs run by the state. An entitlement is open to everyone who meets a program’s eligibility criteria. In the case of universal preschool, that means all 4-year-olds in Colorado whose families want a spot. 

Kirkmeyer also expressed doubt that the state’s plan to create a simple one-stop early childhood application process will work, citing previous misfires in state efforts to create unified systems for public assistance, food benefits, and other human services programs.  

“The people who will suffer the consequences are children and families in this state that are eligible to receive certain benefits and in all likelihood will have some difficulty getting those benefits,” Kirkmeyer said before Thursday’s vote. 

Regardless of party, most people agree that the new early childhood agency and universal preschool program represent a big lift for the state in a relatively short period of time. 

Senate President Stephen Fenberg, one of the bill’s sponsors, called the bill “critically important” but also acknowledged it will make big and disruptive changes. He noted that the bill calls for an independent evaluation of the new department within a few years. 

“We need to go in on this together, with eyes wide open, with as many voices at the table,” he said. ”We will have a very intentional conversation as a body based on an independent review and ask ourselves what should change.”

The new early childhood department is ramping up this spring, with more than a dozen programs slated to move to the agency from the state’s education and human services departments this summer. The new department will also manage the universal preschool program.

Here are some other key provisions of the bill.

• Provides 10 hours of tuition-free preschool for 4-year-olds statewide, as well as a smaller number of 3-year-olds — those who have disabilities or who have certain risk factors.  
• Gives the executive director of the new department the authority to make rules, in consultation with an advisory committee.
• Establishes the role of “local coordinating organizations” — school districts, non-profits, and other groups charged with administering universal preschool in local communities.
• Pledges to provide universal preschool options in various settings, such as public schools, private centers, and homes.
• Charges the new department with creating a single application for publicly funded early childhood programs, including universal preschool.

Ann Schimke is a senior reporter at Chalkbeat, covering early childhood issues and early literacy. Contact Ann at [email protected].

4-year-old Preschool – Johnston Community School District

We are excited to welcome you and your family to the Johnston Early Learning Academy! Please register your child for an exemplary early learning educational experience.

The objective of our 4-year-old preschool program is to provide a quality education for children during the year(s) before entering kindergarten. To attend, children must be four years old by September 15 and do not need to live in the district.

Tuition is provided through the Iowa Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program. This funding provides an opportunity for all young children in the state of Iowa to enter school ready to learn by expanding access to quality preschool curricula for all four-year-old children. There are no fees to attend 4-year old preschool.

All preschool programs have state licensed early childhood teachers. Maximum number of students for the 4-year-old program is 20 students with two teachers.

Curriculum

The Johnston Preschool Curriculum is based on the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, early literacy concepts, Zaner Bloser writing and Everyday Math. Students are engaged in activities and learning opportunities to grow socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively in the early learning environment. The curriculum also adheres to the Iowa Early Learning Standards for Preschool. The Early Childhood program is accredited in the Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (IQPPS).

Also available in the preschool program:

• Field trips
• Hearing, vision and speech screenings
• A literacy assessment
• Parent/teacher conferences held twice yearly

Philosophy

Our philosophy is to include all children. Children with special needs are included in our preschool classrooms. An early childhood special education (ECSE) teacher and associates work in the classroom to support the individual educational goals of the ECSE children. The preschool teacher and the ECSE teacher work together as a team to implement the curriculum.

2022-23 Registration (Opens 8 a.m. Feb. 9, 2022)

1. Complete the new student registration on Infinite Campus (our student data system). Enter all requested information and you will receive an email with next steps in the registration process. NOTE: Registration is NOT FINAL until all steps have been completed.

2. As part of the registration process, you will be asked to provide proof of student’s age (birth document), and updated state health requirements. Please see the “Required Documents for Enrollment” for full details.

3. All other required documents for enrollment should be delivered in-person or mailed to the JCSD District Office, located at P.O. Box 10, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston. Hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

FAMILIES WITH EXISTING ENROLLED STUDENTS, REGISTERING FOR 4-YEAR-OLD PRESCHOOL (Opens Feb. 9, 2022)

1. On the district website homepage, go to the Quick Links button (upper right) and click Infinite Campus.

2. Once on the Infinite Campus page, click Parent/Student Access, then click Campus Parent and log in to Infinite Campus.

3. From the left-side menu, click More, then click Online Registration and select 2022-23 from the registration year drop down and Begin Registration. NOTE: Registration is NOT FINAL until all steps have been completed.

If you need assistance with registration, you can call an enrollment specialist at 515-278-0470 x1649; translation services are available. Placement is on a first come, first service bases until each class is filled.

2022-23 4-year-old Preschool Program Class Schedule

(No fees due to Iowa Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program Grant)

Four days/week class schedule

TIME	DAYS	NUMBER OF STUDENTS	LOCATION
9:00-11:45 a. m.	Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.	20	Johnston Early Learning Academy (6207 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston)
12:30- 3:15 p.m.	Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.	20	Johnston Early Learning Academy

Project Ready for School

Project Ready for School is a scholarship program for preschoolers who qualify to help them have a successful experience in kindergarten. The scholarship provides preschool tuition and family literacy visits. You must live in the Johnston Community School District to qualify and the child must be three or four years old by September 15. Call Joy Palmer at 515-727-JELA (5352) for an application or for more information.

Project Ready for School Scholarship Application

Iowa Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216. 7and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th St., Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416; web site: Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

Additional Telephone Numbers
English/Spanish 1-866-632-9992
English (TDD) 1-800-877-8339
Spanish (TDD) 1-800-845-6136

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Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for Four-Year-Old Children

The purpose of Iowa’s Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) for Four-Year-Old Children is to provide an opportunity for all young children in the State of Iowa to enter school ready to learn by expanding voluntary access to quality preschool curricula for all four-year-old children. The allocation of funds for the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program is intended to improve access to quality early childhood education and provide a predictable, equitable, and sustainable funding method to increase the number of children participating in quality programs. Therefore, the four-year-old preschool funds are intended to increase the number of children participating in quality programs.

Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for Four-Year-Old Children Fact Sheet

SWVPP application 2022-2023

Awarded Applicants

In the 2020-2021 school year, 322 of 327 districts will participate in the program. In 2019-2020, the certified enrollment count was 25,080.

Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program Map 2021-2022

Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program School Districts 2020-2021

Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program School Districts and Buildings 2021-2022 – A list of Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program sites based on districts’ Fall 2021 reporting. Contact the school district for most current information on classroom locations and space available.

SWVPP Community Partner Sites 2021-2022 – A list of Community Partner locations organized alphabetically by district.

Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program, Head Start Programs, and Shared Visions Map (2022-08-01) – A map showing areas in which the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program, Shared Visions Preschool Program, and/or the Head Start Program are offered.

Guidance

The following guidance can assist participating school districts and community partners:

• Compulsory Attendance – Information related to attendance of four-year-old children enrolled in the SWVPP.
• FAQ for Implementation
• Finance FAQs for the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program

Legal Requirements and Reports

Legislation

The Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for Four-Year-Old Children was established May 10, 2007. The program provides an opportunity for four-year-old children in the State of Iowa to enter school ready to learn by expanding voluntary access to quality preschool programming.

The Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program rules are found in 281–Iowa Administrative Code 16. These rules provide guidance to school districts in the implementation of the Statewide Voluntary Preschool for Four-Year-Old Children created in Iowa Code chapter 256c by Iowa Acts 2007 (HF 877).

See also the Early Childhood Education section of the most current Annual Condition of Education Report.

Program Requirements

Meeting Program Assurances and Requirements – Provides information to assist districts in meeting program requirements and the assurances.
PowerPoint

Assessment

GOLD® Online Assessment System

Iowa Code section 279.60 requires districts to assess all preschool children with the GOLD® online assessment and maintain local agreements with Teaching Strategies, LLC. under the GOLD State Service Umbrella Agreement. This includes any preschool-aged child enrolled by a parent in a district program.

The Iowa Department of Education (DE) has a statewide license for MyTeachingStrategies™ through an umbrella agreement with Teaching Strategies, LLC. This agreement provides the GOLD® online assessment system and reduces the subscriber fees for all state and federally funded early childhood programs and services, including Iowa school districts, their community partners, Shared Visions, as well as Head Start, Area Education Agencies and other programs located in the state of Iowa. This web‐based online system allows programs to assess child progress based on research‐based widely held expectations from birth through third grade. Reports may be generated at the individual, group, and statewide level.

To subscribe to MyTeachingStrategies™ and access GOLD®, complete the online application form.

Iowa GOLD Online Procedures Nov.2019 – Teachers, practitioners, and administrators are encouraged to use the Iowa GOLD Procedures document to assist them in setting up and using GOLD Online.

Iowa GOLD Child Transfer Form (2020-1-13)

Discussion Prompts, Sample Activities, and Observational Tasks – A tool for educators to support families in the assessment process.

Reporting

Meeting Preschool Reporting Requirements – Provides information districts need to report timely and accurate information.
PowerPoint

Guiding Practices

The following are guiding practices that can assist participating school districts and community partners.

Iowa Early Learning Standards/Child Standards
Participating school districts in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for Four-Year-Old Children will follow the Iowa Early Learning Standards. These standards identify the knowledge, skills, motivation, and attitudes needed by preschoolers that lead to success as students enter school and as adults. The developmental areas are as follows:

1. Social and emotional development
2. Physical well-being and motor development
3. Approaches to learning
4. Social studies
5. Creative arts
6. Communication, language, and literacy
7. Mathematics
8. Science

Iowa Early Learning Standards – 3rd Edition

Alignment of IELS to GOLD

Program Standards
Programs participating in Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for Four-Year-Old Children must meet one of the following program standards. Each standard is indicative of high-quality programming efforts. Preschool programs must meet one of the following program standards upon implementation of the SWVPP.

• Head Start Program Performance Standards
• National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Early Learning Program Accreditation Standards and Assessment Items
• Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (IQPPS)

High Quality Preschool

• The Building Blocks of High-Quality Early Childhood Education Programs
• Early Education Essentials: Illustrations of Strong Organizational Practices in Programs Poised for Improvement

Staff Qualifications and Staff Development

Staff Development
Participating school district teachers will receive professional development focusing on areas appropriate to the role of an early childhood teacher and implemented in accordance with Iowa Code section 284.6. School districts will also make appropriate professional development opportunities available to community partner teachers of the preschool program who are not employed by the district. District and community partner support staff working in four-year-old preschool classrooms should also be provided opportunities for staff development in early childhood education. These opportunities are to be addressed in the school district career development plan and follow the Iowa Professional Development Model.

Teacher Quality
Numerous studies have found that the education levels of preschool teachers and specialized training in early childhood education predict teaching quality and positively affect children’s achievement of social, emotional, language, literacy and cognitive skills. The Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center provides many resources for supporting effective teaching practices, including a Framework for Effective Practice, which was developed by the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning.

Preschool Teacher Assistant Qualifications
The type of preschool program and required program standards determine the type of qualifications required for teaching assistants. This document provides options that are open to teaching assistants for meeting state and federal requirements.

Qualifications for Preschool Teacher Assistants (2020-08-18)

Iowa’s school districts and their community partners operating Statewide Voluntary Preschool Programs (SWVPP) and preschool classrooms providing early childhood special education (ECSE) instructional services are required to demonstrate that the programs are meeting one of the approved sets of program standards and criteria. Iowa’s school districts and their community partners that have adopted the Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (IQPPS) are encouraged to utilize the IQPPS documents and resources on the Early Childhood Standards webpage to engage in a continuous improvement process to design and support the understanding of current practices, strengths, and challenges in implementing the standards and criteria.

Additionally, the school year following the approval to participate in the SWVPP, the DE Early Childhood Consultants conduct an on-site visit to districts that have adopted the IQPPS to verify the SWVPP and preschool classrooms providing ECSE services are meeting the IQPPS and criteria. During the visit the team conducts a family interview, classroom observation(s) and facilities tour; as well as, reviews classroom portfolio(s), the program portfolio, staff files, and child files.

Districts will annually* submit IQPPS evidence in the Preschool Desk Audit in CASA between September 15 and December 15. Every school district that is implementing the IQPPS at any location, including community partners, will submit IQPPS evidence. Only Districts that are having an onsite IQPPS visit during the current or following school year or are following Head Start Program Performance Standards or are NAEYC accredited across all classrooms will be exempt from submitting IQPPS evidence. Guidance for IQPPS evidence to submit and related archived webinars are posted on the Differentiated Accountability webpage.

*The 2019-2020 Desk Audits were closed “as is” and previously all items were ported forward into the 2020-2021 Desk Audit. If your district’s 2020-2021 Desk Audit has a status of “Action Required,” the district will be required to address the previously unaccepted items beginning September 15. If the 2020-2021 Desk Audit is marked “State Review Complete – Submission Final,” the information provided during the 2019-2020 school year was acceptable and no further action is required during 2020-2021. No new items will be added to the 2020-2021 Desk Audit.

Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards and Criteria (2017)

Links

Assessment
The Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for Four-Year-Old Children requires participating school districts to maintain local agreements with Teaching Strategies, LLC. under the GOLD State Service Umbrella Agreement and assess all preschool children with the GOLD online assessment. This includes any preschool-aged child enrolled by a parent in a district program.

• Information on Teaching Strategies GOLD online assessment

Curriculum
Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for Four-Year-Old Children requires participating school districts to adopt a research or evidence-based curricula that is developmentally appropriate, including age appropriate, individually appropriate, and culturally appropriate. In order to meet the needs of the diverse population of children, families, and communities, curricula should be culturally sensitive and flexible.

The Iowa Department of Education does not endorse any one preschool curriculum. This is a locally determined decision; districts should ensure curriculum meets described criteria.

Curriculum Decision-Making
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) outlines dimensions to consider when making decisions about preschool curriculum in this Policy Brief.

NIEER Curriculum Policy Brief

Best Practices in Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Evaluation
The National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has a Position Statement on Early Childhood Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Evaluation to guide implementers of early care and education programs.

Hiring Licensed Teachers
The TeachIowa.gov website is an avenue to recruit licensed teachers for the preschool program:

• School districts can post job vacancies and search applicants’ resumes
• Early childhood teachers interested in these jobs can search for jobs and share information with School Districts through the online application

2022 Preschool Guide for the Stateline

Welcome to Stateline Kids 2022 Preschool Guide for the Stateline! There are many great preschool options to choose from in the Stateline whether you’re looking for general education, a specific teaching style, or a faith-based school.

If you’re looking for a preschool for your 2 – 5 year old in the Rockford, Roscoe, Loves Park, Rockton, Janesville, Belvidere or Beloit area, check out this guide to help you make your decision.

All preschools listed are privately owned which means that you do not have to live in the city where they are located for your child to attend.

This guide is separated by city/town so you can jump down to the area you’re interested in or scroll through the entire guide.

If you are looking for public preschool options, please contact the school district where you reside.

COVID-19 SAFETY: This year, many schools have new procedures in place to safely operate during the pandemic. Class size is smaller, masks or face shields are required, and parents are asked to not bring their children to school if they are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms.

Rockford

Life as a student at Spectrum Progressive School is a unique and fun experience. Both inside the classroom and out, students are encouraged to think, create, and reflect on their learning. Spectrum is progressive, focusing on the developmental needs and readiness of learners based on where each individual child is at.

Spectrum School
4848 Turner Street, Rockford, IL
815-877-1600
https://spectrumschool.org/

Hours:  Half Day: 8:10 am – 11:30
Full Day: 8:10 am – 3 pm
*Fee-based morning and after school care/enrichment available

Type/Category of preschool: Play/Nature-based

Ages served: 3-4 year olds (must be potty trained)

Open House: Schedule a tour, Contact them at 815-877-1600 or through this form.

Registration Dates: Rolling throughout the year, register early – spots fill up fast!

Montessori Private Academy (MPA) is a child-centered school. Our Mission is to prepare the whole child intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically, not only for the child’s years in school, but throughout life. As the child matures, his Montessori education and experiences will help him become a productive member of the global community.

Montessori Private Academy
8101 Sayer Rd., Rockford, IL
815-332-8101
www.montessoriprivateacademy.com

Programs: Two Year Olds

• 5 Full days   Mon – Fri  8:30 am – 3:30 pm
• 5 Half days  Mon – Fri  8:30 am – 11:30 am
• 3 Full days   Mon, Tue & Wed 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
• 3 Half days  Mon, Tue & Wed  8:30 am – 11:30 am
• 2 Full days   Thurs & Fri  8:30 am – 3:30 pm
• 2 Half days  Thurs & Fri 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Ages 3 to Kindergarten (must be potty trained)

• 5 Full days, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (All Kindergarten students are full day.)
• 5 Half days, AM, 8:30 am – 11:30 am (Available for 3 and 4 year-olds only)
• 3 Half days, AM, Mon., Tues., Wed., 8:30 am – 11:30 am (3 day option available only to 3 year-olds)

Hours: 8:30 am –

Type/Category of preschool: Fully accredited member of the American Montessori Society

Ages served: 2 years old – 9th grade

Open House: March 1st, 2022 from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Private tours available on request.

Registration Dates: Currently accepting applications

Woodsong Nature School
4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL
815-324-3282
https://www.woodsongschool.com/
Woodsong Facebook page

Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 11:30 am with 2, 3, and 5 day options.

Type/Category of preschool: Nature-based

Ages served: 2-3 years old

Open House and Registration Dates: Registration for summer and next school year will begin in February. Details will be posted on their website and Facebook page. 

Other information: Children can enroll immediately after their 2nd birthday and do not need to be potty-trained. They also offer an optional three month summer session. 

Westminster Preschool
2821 N. Bell School Rd. Rockford, IL
815-282-1500 Ext. 123
www. westminsterchurch.cc

Hours: 1/2 days Monday – Thursday 9:00 am -11:30 am May through September

Type/Category of preschool: Community Preschool serving Rockford and surrounding areas; Faith-based Christian

Ages served: 3-5 years old

All Saints Catholic Academy
409 North 1st Street, Rockford, IL
815-962-8515
https://allsaintsrockford.org/bconeryallsaintsrockfordorg
Hours: Information pending
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based
Ages served: 3-4 years old

Argyle Preschool 
7300 Belvidere Rd., Caledonia, IL 
815-885-3455
www.willowcreekpc.org/argyle-preschool
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:15 am – 11:45 am
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Christian / general education
Ages served: 3-5 years old

Alpine Academy of Rockford
5001 Forest View Ave. , Rockford, IL
815-227-8894
www.alpineacademyofrockford.com
Hours: Half and full-day available
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Christian
Ages served: 3-4 year olds

Berean Baptist Christian School
5626 Safford Rd., Rockford, IL
815-962-4841
www.bereanschool.com
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Baptist
Ages served: 3-5 year olds

Cathedral Baptist School
5622 35th Street
Rockford, IL 61109
815-874-3883
www.cathedralbapistschool.com
Hours: Half and full-day available
Type/Category of preschool: Educational, Faith-based Christian
Ages served: 3-5 year olds

Christ the Rock Lutheran
8330 Newburg Rd., Rockford, IL
815-332-5551
www.ctrockford.org/preschool
Hours: 3 year olds preschool
Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am – 11:00 am
4 year olds preschool
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am
4 year olds kindergarten
Monday through Thursday from 12 pm – 2:30 pm
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Lutheran
Ages served: 3-5 years old

Christ United Methodist Preschool Center
1505 N. Alpine Rd. Rockford, IL
815-398-1458
www.christumc.cc/cumc-preschool
Hours: Full and half-day available
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Methodist
Ages served: 2-5 years old

Christian Life Schools
5950 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford, IL
815-877-5749
www.clschools.org
Hours: Half and full days available – 2 days, 3 days, and 5 days
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Christian
Ages served: 3-4 year olds

Holy Family Catholic Preschool
4407 Highcrest Rd., Rockford, IL
815-398-5902
http://school.holyfamilyrockford.org/
Hours: Half days and full days available
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Catholic
Ages served: 3-4 years old

Keith Country Day School
1 Jacoby Pl, Rockford, IL
815-399-8850 x184
www. keithschool.com
Type/Category of preschool: General education
Ages served: 3-5 year olds

North Love Christian School
5301 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, IL
815-209-2634
https://nlcs-il.client.renweb.com/oa/?memberid=1375
Hours: Half and full-day available
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Christian
Ages served: 3-5 year olds

Our Savior’s Playtown Preschool Center
3300 Rural St., Rockford, IL
815-399-0531
www.oslcrockford.com/classes
Hours: Half day from 8 am – 11:45 am
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Lutheran
Ages served: 3-5 year olds

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Academy
3445 Elmwood Rd., Rockford, IL
815-399-3021
www.olsha.org/preschool
Hours: Half and full-day available with option of 3 or 5 days per week
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Catholic, classic education
Ages served: 3-4 year olds

Rockford Christian Schools
220 Hemlock Lane, Rockford, IL
815-391-8006
www. rockfordchristian.org
Hours: Half and full days available – 2 days, 3 days, and 5 days
Type/Category of preschool: Early Childhood, Faith-based Christian
Ages served: 3-5 year olds

Rockford Lutheran School Preschool
1711 Delcy Dr., Rockford, IL
815-877-9551
https://rockfordlutheran.org/preschool-admissions/
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Lutheran
Ages served: 3-4 year olds

St. Rita Catholic School
6284 Valley Knoll Dr, Rockford, IL
815-398-3466
www.stritarockford.org
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Catholic
Ages served: 4 years old

YMCA Children’s Learning Center
2918 Glenwood Ave., Rockford, IL
815-977-4576 or [email protected]
https://rockriverymca.org/CLC/
Hours: Full and part-time available (2 or 3 days per week)
Type/Category of preschool: Early childhood education
Ages served: 3-5 year olds

Roscoe

Kids Spot Academy is the only Gym N’ Learn Preschool & Pre-K in the Stateline area. We pair physical and cognitive education to give your child the best of both worlds and fully prepare our students for Kindergarten.

Kids Spot Academy
9461 N. 2nd St., Roscoe, IL
815-623-5437
www.kidsspot.com

Programs: 2 year old (Tuesday or Thursday) Ready-2-Learn Program: $110/month
3 year old (Tuesday/Thursdays) Preschool Pricing: $250/month
4 year old Pre-K Pricing (Monday/Wednesday/Fridays): $275/month

Hours: 8:45 am – 11:15 am or 12 pm – 2:30 pm. Our Ready-2-Learn program runs from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Type/Category of preschool: Kindergarten preparation / active play

Ages served: 2-5 years old

Open House and Registration Dates: February 22, 2022 from 5 pm – 6 pm. Contact Claire at 815-623-5437 or [email protected] for more information.

Testimonial: “We last minute enrolled our son into the Kids Spot Academy Preschool for this school year and we couldn’t be any happier! He has learned so much & grown so much in the few months he has been in school there. His teachers are absolutely amazing, they have great open communication & do everything they can to make sure the kids are all safe in their care with everything from the pandemic and in general!” – Megan Ortiz, 2020-2021 School Year

Red Shed Preschool
13535 Metric Rd, Roscoe, IL
815-389-3311
www.redshedpreschool.com

Hours: Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am – 11:00 am and 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Type/Category of preschool: Multi-age general education

Ages served: 3-5 year olds

Registration dates: April 16, 2022 at 9 am — Arrive early, the line starts the night before.

Other information: At Red Shed Preschool, they are committed to helping their students reach their highest developmental, social and academic potential in fun and exciting ways. They offer a play-based curriculum along with teacher-directed activities where they meet and exceed the Illinois Learning Standards for Early Childhood Education. They encourage exploration throughout our art, house, reading/listening, writing, technology, drama, math/blocks, and science centers where we “play with a purpose”.

Village Nursery School
10816 Main St., Roscoe, IL
815-623-7731
www.vnspreschool.com
Hours: Monday, Wednesdays, Friday for 4 year olds 8:30 am – 11 am
Monday, Wednesday, Friday for 3 and 4 year olds 12 pm – 2:30 pm
Tuesday and Thursday for 3 year olds 8:30 am – 11 am
Type/Category: Faith-based Christian
Ages served: 3-4 year olds  

Cross and Crown Preschool
7404 Elevator Rd., Roscoe, IL
815-623-3273
www.crosscrown.org/sample-page/preschool/
Hours: Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am – 11:30 and 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Christian
Ages served: 3-4 year olds

Rockton

Old Stone Preschool
550 S Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, IL
815-624-7872
www. oldstonepreschool.com
Hours: 8:30 am – 11:00 am and 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
3 year old classes on Tuesday and Thursday
PreK on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Type/Category of preschool: Kindergarten preparation
Ages served: 3-5 years old

St. Andrew Lutheran Church
511 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, IL
815-624-8400
www.standrewrockton.com
Hours: 3-4 year olds Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 am – 10:30 am
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Christian
Ages served: 3-5 year olds

Loves Park

St. Bridget Catholic School
604 Clifford Avenue Loves Park, IL
815-633-8255
www.stbridgetlovespark.org/school
Hours: Half and full day options for 3 and 4 year olds
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Catholic
Ages served: 3-4 years old

Grace Lutheran Preschool
343 Grand Ave. , Loves Park, IL
815-282-6114
www.gracelovespark.org
Hours: Half day for 2-4 year olds, class options for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days per week
Type/Category of preschool: Play-based, Faith-based, developmentally appropriate education
Ages served: 2-4 year olds

Peace Lutheran Church
502 Orth Road, Loves Park, IL
815-885-4224
www.peacelp.com/peacepreschool
Hours: 3 year old sessions Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am
4 year old sessions Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Lutheran
Ages served: 3-4 year olds

Belvidere

Immanuel Lutheran School
1225 E. 2nd St. Belvidere, IL
815-547-5346
www.immanuelknights.org
Hours: PreK 3:  Meets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 am – 11 am
PreK 4:  Meets Monday through Friday from 8 am – 11 am or 11:45 am – 2:45 pm
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Lutheran
Ages served: 3-4 year olds
Open House and Registration Dates: Registration opens to the community on February 14, 2022.

Belvidere Park District Preschool
1006 West Lincoln Avenue, Belvidere, IL
815-547-5711
www.belviderepark.org/programs/preschool/
Hours: 3-4 year old session Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am
4-5 year old session Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Type/Category of preschool: General education
Ages served: 3-5 year olds

Got Kidz Child Care
531 S. Main St., Belvidere, IL
815-329-4136
www.gotkidzchildcare.net
Hours: 3-4 year old session Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am
4-5 year old session Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Type/Category of preschool: Creative Curriculum
Ages served: 3-5 year olds

Beloit

Beloit YMCA Preschool
501 Third St., Beloit, WI
608-365-2261
www.statelineymca. org/programs/childcare-preschool/preschool-span-ironworks-campus-span
Hours: 3-4 year olds on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am
4-5 year olds on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Type/Category of preschool: General education and physical activity
Ages served: 3-5 year olds

KidzWorks Preschool and Daycare
2460 Milwaukee Rd., Beloit, WI
608-362-7663
https://www.centralwired.com/preschool
Hours: 3- 5 year old session on Monday – Thursday with 2, 3, or 4 day option
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Christian
Ages served: 3-5 year olds

Our Lady of the Assumption
2222 Shopiere Road, Beloit, WI
608-365-4014
www.olabeloit.com/school/
Hours: 8 am – 11:30 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays for PreK 3
8 am – 3 pm (MWF) or 8 am – 3 pm (Monday through Friday) for PreK 4
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Catholic, general education
Ages served: 3-4 year olds

Machesney Park

Concordia Lutheran
7424 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park
815-633-6450
http://www.concordiamp.com/
Hours: Information pending
Type/Category of preschool: Faith-based Lutheran
Ages served: 3-4 year olds (school goes through 5th grade)

If you’d like your preschool included in this guide, or would like to upgrade your preschool’s listing, please contact [email protected].

8 skills that are useful for developing a preschooler and elementary school student

School preparation / Early childhood development

The LogicLike team talks about the skills that are important to master in preschool and primary school age in the first place.

LogicLike is an online platform for the development of children aged 5-12. We teach children to reason and work with information, develop logic and non-standard thinking.

1. Ability and desire to learn: cognitive abilities and interest in learning

Perception, attention, memory, imagination, speech, thinking are mental cognitive processes that make up the ability and desire to learn. For most children, the development of cognitive interest is a natural process laid down by nature. At preschool age, inquisitive children most of all want to discover something new.

Closer to 5-7 years, the child no longer simply perceives information in finished form, as it was before. An inquisitive mind seeks to find answers to questions on its own. An inquisitive preschooler learns to bring different concepts into one system, analyzes them, compares them, looks for patterns and draws conclusions.

Hot interest and curiosity are the basis of independent motivation of a preschooler and a first grader to study.

The elementary school curriculum does not contain separate classes devoted to the development of cognitive abilities. Therefore, the task of teaching the child to learn largely falls on the parents.

High cognitive interest plus developed attention, memory, thinking and other cognitive abilities will help you get used to school without stress, become more independent, proactive and avoid chronic academic failure.

See also: The benefits of entertaining mathematics and solving logic problems.

The ability to learn independently cannot be overestimated. Technology is developing many times faster than it was 20 years ago, and specialists of any profession are in the race for new knowledge. Try to imagine what will happen in another 20 years.

2. Creative thinking: the ability to think outside the box, contrary to patterns

The ability to create something new, unconventional – this is how classical psychology defines the concept of “creative thinking”. You should not associate it exclusively with art: extraordinary solutions are welcome in any field of activity, whether it’s acting or developing mobile applications.

At the age of 5-7 years, thinking is not constrained by stereotypes and it is easier for a child to learn to be “creative”. This will help in the future to get out of any difficult situations, simply connecting creative thinking.

See also: 10 ideas and exercises to develop creativity.

The ability to think outside the box is useful not only in everyday life. For example, engineer and ornithologist Eiji Nakatsu developed a rounded nose for a bullet train. The idea came from observing the kingfisher, a bird whose streamlined beak allows it to fish easily, plunging into the water without splashing. This train design reduced air resistance and energy costs.

3. The ability to think logically: we develop logical and mathematical intelligence

Some everyday and educational problems can be solved creatively. But in most cases, when an objective, balanced approach is needed, creativity is not enough. Logical thinking comes to the rescue:

• ability to think;
• to prove the truth or falsity of judgments;
• make informed decisions;
• explain your position to yourself and others.

When a child pumps logical thinking and mathematical abilities, he learns to use specific concepts, “weigh” options and make decisions.

Solving entertaining logic problems is a proven way to develop logic in preschoolers and younger students. Is your child 5-7 years old? This is the perfect time to start.

Day after day, more than 100,000 students

complete 10-20 assignments on the LogicLike website. And how much can you? Choose where to start:

Riddles and questions
Riddles and questions

Logic tasks
Logic tasks

Children with developed logical and mathematical intelligence can easily cope with school mathematics. In grades 3-4, they win mathematical olympiads and, in general, have more chances for a breakthrough in overall intellectual development.

4. Spatial thinking and imagination: developing visual-spatial intelligence

It is possible to create 3D pictures in your head, look at them in great detail and rotate them as you like with the help of spatial thinking and imagination. By developing these abilities, the child learns to navigate in space, recognize directions of movement, determine the sides of the horizon, understand the position of objects in space and perceive their shape.

This is interesting: Games and tasks for the development of spatial thinking of preschoolers.

Universal skills for success in any endeavors

The ability and desire to learn, creative, logical-mathematical and spatial thinking are components of the intellect and are absolutely necessary for both children and adults. However, this is not enough to achieve success.

Special, “hard” skills (hard skills) affect a person’s success in a particular activity. They, too, can and should be developed from childhood, especially if the child has obvious inclinations and interests.

What can determine the success of a person in a variety of activities? General, soft skills It is equally useful in study, work and personal affairs. “Soft” skills are the basis for the development of special skills and human efficiency in everything.