Getting Ready for Kindergarten!
Welcome to St. Louis Park Public Schools. We look forward to meeting you and your child. Below are helpful hints from our staff members and a few things researchers at the University of Minnesota say prepare your child for school and learning.
Dramatic play
Have fun playing with your child! Dramatic play provides an opportunity to explore ideas and apply new concepts learned through observation. It helps prepare your child for kindergarten, promoting language and literacy as well as problem-solving skills. Download this calendar of fun, easy to do activities compiled by Kids’ Place Preschool teachers Lori Katz and Kathy Pierce.
Language and Literacy Skills
Prepare your child to be a successful reader. Have fun helping your child get ready for kindergarten, build problem solving and social skills, too! Download this calendar of fun, easy to do activities compiled by Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) lead teacher Marjean Altemeier.
Talk with your child
The more words your child hears, the stronger his/her vocabulary will be. And give your child opportunities to talk with you. Stop what you’re doing when your child asks for your attention. Make eye contact and listen. Ask questions and wait for answers. Show your delight at what your child shares with you!
Read to your child, every day
Talk about the pictures and ideas in the books. Set aside a special place in your home as a reading area. Remember that books make great gifts! Make a weekly trip to the St. Louis Park Library, 3240 Library Lane, 952.847.6125 part of your family routine.
Encourage your child to help him/herself
This is a good time to help your child zip, button, put clothes on and take them off independently. Break down self-help skills into pieces your child can manage. Say, “Good for you!” or “Great job!” as learning takes place.
Play with other children
St. Louis Park Community Education, a department of the school district, has many programs for preschoolers, and parents, too! These are terrific ways to meet your child’s kindergarten classmates and their families. Browse this site for more information on SLP Pre-K programs.
Required Documents
These three items are required by the state of Minnesota before your child can enter kindergarten:
You will be asked to provide a record of your child’s shots at Kindergarten Roundup. All children entering kindergarten must have a varicella (chickenpox) vaccine (or a history of having chickenpox) and a second dose of vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. Free health checkups and immunizations are available at Central Clinic located in our Central Community Center. The Clinic is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1-4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. You can also make an appointment by calling 952/993-1100. If your child should not have immunizations for medical reasons or because of the conscientiously held beliefs of the parents, the school must have written proof of exemption.
SLP Ready, Set, Learn (RSL) Pre-K
Ages 3-5
Located at Central Community Center
To register or get more information call 952.928.6784
Formerly SLP Ready, Set, Kindergarten (RSK) Pre-K, Ready, Set, Learn (RSL) is the St. Louis Park Schools’ School Readiness program. It is designed for children ages 3-5 who have not had a preschool experience. Families must meet income guidelines for your child to attend RSK. Transportation and lunch are provided. Monthly Family Fun Nights are a required part of this program.
Early Childhood Screening
Ages 3 1/2-4
Located at Central Clinic, within Central Community Center
Call 952.928.6726 to schedule an appointment or get more information.
An early look at your child’s health and development, early childhood screening allows any health and developmental concerns to be addressed at least one year before a child enters kindergarten. This free service is required by the state of Minnesota for entrance into Kindergarten. PLEASE DO IT EARLY! The ideal age is between 3 1/2 and 4 years of age. Screening includes height, weight, vision test, hearing test and developmental games. We are screening children on Thursdays and some Fridays at the Central Clinic.
St. Louis Park Public Schools Kindergarten Options
Traditional Half-Day Kindergarten
The St. Louis Park School District offers the traditional program of half-day kindergarten at Peter Hobart Primary Center and Park Spanish Immersion.
Kindergarten Plus: Tuition-Based, Full-Day Kindergarten
Click here to apply online for fall 2011 kindergarten Plus.
If you prefer to mail in your application for fall 2011 Kindergarten Plus, click here to download the form.
Kindergarten Plus is a tuition-based, full-day, everyday kindergarten. Kindergarten Plus is available at Park Spanish Immersion, Peter Hobart and Susan Lindgren elementary schools. Families of kindergartners may choose to enroll their children in this full-day kindergarten for an additional fee.
The fee for the 2011-2012 school year is $375.00 per month for 10 months with payments beginning August 15, 2011 for a total of $3,750 per year.
NOTE: All Day Kindergarten at Aquila is at no additional charge. Call 952.928.6503 for more information
If more students request this option than space permits, a lottery on April 29, 2011 will determine student placement. Students who are not chosen in the lottery will automatically be placed in traditional kindergarten in their attendance area, and your application fee will be reimbursed. Families will be notified of status by mid May, 2011. Scholarship information for the Kindergarten Plus program can be obtained by calling 952.928.6785.
Call Heidi Middleton, 952.928.6785 or email: middleton.heidi@slpschools.org for more information.
International Baccalaureate K-6
The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. IB creates a true international flavor within a school, and includes weekly Spanish instruction for all primary grades students (60 minutes for kindergartners and 90 minutes for grades 1-3). IB is being incorporated at Aquila and Peter Hobart, as well as 4th-6th grade schools Cedar Manor and Susan Lindgren.
Spanish Immersion K-6
The St. Louis Park School District offer children the option of a language immersion school at Park Spanish Immersion (PSI). At PSI, children are immersed in a second language (Spanish) while they learn reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies and other subject areas. The curriculum is aligned with the district’s other elementary schools.
Kindergarten Plus: Tuition-Based, Full-Day Kindergarten
St. Louis Park School District offers tuition-based, full-day, everyday kindergarten. Your child will have the same certified kindergarten teacher all day. Families of kindergartners may choose to enroll their children in this full-day kindergarten for an additional fee. The program will serves kindergartners (22-24 per class) at Peter Hobart and Aquila Primary Centers. If more students request this option than space permits, a lottery will determine student placement. Information for the Kindergarten Plus program can be obtained by calling Sandy Armendariz, 952.928.6061. Deadline for application to be included in the lottery for Kindergarten Plus: Monday April 26, 2012. Lottery for Kindergarten Plus will be held after April 26, 2010, if necessary. Parents will be informed of the results by May 5, 2010.
Click here to apply online for fall 2012 kindergarten Plus.
Kids’ Place Child Care
No matter which option you choose for your family, Kids’ Place Child Care can provide before and after school care for your kindergartener. The program is open all year, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on most school release days and holidays. There are a variety of flexible enrollment options available. For information on Kids’ Place, call 952.928.6764; email kidsplace@slpschools.org.
Which Kindergarten Option is best for My Child? Traditional half-day or all-day?
As with many of the decisions you have already made for your child, there are different perspectives to consider in making the choice of half-day or all-day kindergarten.
What about an immersion education?
We encourage you to attend the Park Spanish Immersion School immersion information night typically held in December. There you will learn about the benefits of a language immersion education for your child. Park Spanish Immersion is an option for all incoming St. Louis Park kindergarten students. In Janury, families receive application information and forms. If necessary, a lottery will be held to determine enrollment. Call PSI at 952.928.6759 for application information and deadlines.
What does research say about half-day versus all-day kindergarten?
A study by the National Center for Education Statistics (June, 2004) indicated a positive association with learning in reading and mathematics during the kindergarten year. In general, research indicates that there seem to be many positive learning and social/behavioral benefits for children in all day kindergarten program. At the same time, it is important to remember that what children are doing during the kindergarten day is more important than the length of the school day. That National Center for Education Statistics study showed that the most common skills and activities in full day classes are generally the most common in half day classes.
What questions can we ask that might help us decide?
Welcome to St. Louis Park Public Schools. We look forward to meeting you and your child. Below are helpful hints from our staff members and a few things researchers at the University of Minnesota say prepare your child for school and learning.
Dramatic play
Have fun playing with your child! Dramatic play provides an opportunity to explore ideas and apply new concepts learned through observation. It helps prepare your child for kindergarten, promoting language and literacy as well as problem-solving skills. Download this calendar of fun, easy to do activities compiled by Kids’ Place Preschool teachers Lori Katz and Kathy Pierce.
Language and Literacy Skills
Prepare your child to be a successful reader. Have fun helping your child get ready for kindergarten, build problem solving and social skills, too! Download this calendar of fun, easy to do activities compiled by Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) lead teacher Marjean Altemeier.
Talk with your child
The more words your child hears, the stronger his/her vocabulary will be. And give your child opportunities to talk with you. Stop what you’re doing when your child asks for your attention. Make eye contact and listen. Ask questions and wait for answers. Show your delight at what your child shares with you!
Read to your child, every day
Talk about the pictures and ideas in the books. Set aside a special place in your home as a reading area. Remember that books make great gifts! Make a weekly trip to the St. Louis Park Library, 3240 Library Lane, 952.847.6125 part of your family routine.
Encourage your child to help him/herself
This is a good time to help your child zip, button, put clothes on and take them off independently. Break down self-help skills into pieces your child can manage. Say, “Good for you!” or “Great job!” as learning takes place.
Play with other children
St. Louis Park Community Education, a department of the school district, has many programs for preschoolers, and parents, too! These are terrific ways to meet your child’s kindergarten classmates and their families. Browse this site for more information on SLP Pre-K programs.
Required Documents
These three items are required by the state of Minnesota before your child can enter kindergarten:
- Your child’s birth certificate
- Free Early Childhood Screening
- Up to date immunizations
Birth certificates can be obtained from any Hennepin County Service Center (the closest is Ridgedale, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka), 612.348.8240.
If your child has not yet been screened, call Lisa Reynolds at 952.928.6726 to schedule an appointment.
You will be asked to provide a record of your child’s shots at Kindergarten Roundup. All children entering kindergarten must have a varicella (chickenpox) vaccine (or a history of having chickenpox) and a second dose of vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. Free health checkups and immunizations are available at Central Clinic located in our Central Community Center. The Clinic is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1-4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. You can also make an appointment by calling 952/993-1100. If your child should not have immunizations for medical reasons or because of the conscientiously held beliefs of the parents, the school must have written proof of exemption.
SLP Ready, Set, Learn (RSL) Pre-K
Ages 3-5
Located at Central Community Center
To register or get more information call 952.928.6784
Formerly SLP Ready, Set, Kindergarten (RSK) Pre-K, Ready, Set, Learn (RSL) is the St. Louis Park Schools’ School Readiness program. It is designed for children ages 3-5 who have not had a preschool experience. Families must meet income guidelines for your child to attend RSK. Transportation and lunch are provided. Monthly Family Fun Nights are a required part of this program.
Early Childhood Screening
Ages 3 1/2-4
Located at Central Clinic, within Central Community Center
Call 952.928.6726 to schedule an appointment or get more information.
An early look at your child’s health and development, early childhood screening allows any health and developmental concerns to be addressed at least one year before a child enters kindergarten. This free service is required by the state of Minnesota for entrance into Kindergarten. PLEASE DO IT EARLY! The ideal age is between 3 1/2 and 4 years of age. Screening includes height, weight, vision test, hearing test and developmental games. We are screening children on Thursdays and some Fridays at the Central Clinic.
St. Louis Park Public Schools Kindergarten Options
Traditional Half-Day Kindergarten
The St. Louis Park School District offers the traditional program of half-day kindergarten at Peter Hobart Primary Center and Park Spanish Immersion.
Kindergarten Plus: Tuition-Based, Full-Day Kindergarten
Click here to apply online for fall 2011 kindergarten Plus.
If you prefer to mail in your application for fall 2011 Kindergarten Plus, click here to download the form.
Kindergarten Plus is a tuition-based, full-day, everyday kindergarten. Kindergarten Plus is available at Park Spanish Immersion, Peter Hobart and Susan Lindgren elementary schools. Families of kindergartners may choose to enroll their children in this full-day kindergarten for an additional fee.
The fee for the 2011-2012 school year is $375.00 per month for 10 months with payments beginning August 15, 2011 for a total of $3,750 per year.
NOTE: All Day Kindergarten at Aquila is at no additional charge. Call 952.928.6503 for more information
If more students request this option than space permits, a lottery on April 29, 2011 will determine student placement. Students who are not chosen in the lottery will automatically be placed in traditional kindergarten in their attendance area, and your application fee will be reimbursed. Families will be notified of status by mid May, 2011. Scholarship information for the Kindergarten Plus program can be obtained by calling 952.928.6785.
Call Heidi Middleton, 952.928.6785 or email: middleton.heidi@slpschools.org for more information.
International Baccalaureate K-6
The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. IB creates a true international flavor within a school, and includes weekly Spanish instruction for all primary grades students (60 minutes for kindergartners and 90 minutes for grades 1-3). IB is being incorporated at Aquila and Peter Hobart, as well as 4th-6th grade schools Cedar Manor and Susan Lindgren.
Spanish Immersion K-6
The St. Louis Park School District offer children the option of a language immersion school at Park Spanish Immersion (PSI). At PSI, children are immersed in a second language (Spanish) while they learn reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies and other subject areas. The curriculum is aligned with the district’s other elementary schools.
Kindergarten Plus: Tuition-Based, Full-Day Kindergarten
St. Louis Park School District offers tuition-based, full-day, everyday kindergarten. Your child will have the same certified kindergarten teacher all day. Families of kindergartners may choose to enroll their children in this full-day kindergarten for an additional fee. The program will serves kindergartners (22-24 per class) at Peter Hobart and Aquila Primary Centers. If more students request this option than space permits, a lottery will determine student placement. Information for the Kindergarten Plus program can be obtained by calling Sandy Armendariz, 952.928.6061. Deadline for application to be included in the lottery for Kindergarten Plus: Monday April 26, 2012. Lottery for Kindergarten Plus will be held after April 26, 2010, if necessary. Parents will be informed of the results by May 5, 2010.
Click here to apply online for fall 2012 kindergarten Plus.
Kids’ Place Child Care
No matter which option you choose for your family, Kids’ Place Child Care can provide before and after school care for your kindergartener. The program is open all year, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on most school release days and holidays. There are a variety of flexible enrollment options available. For information on Kids’ Place, call 952.928.6764; email kidsplace@slpschools.org.
Which Kindergarten Option is best for My Child? Traditional half-day or all-day?
As with many of the decisions you have already made for your child, there are different perspectives to consider in making the choice of half-day or all-day kindergarten.
What about an immersion education?
We encourage you to attend the Park Spanish Immersion School immersion information night typically held in December. There you will learn about the benefits of a language immersion education for your child. Park Spanish Immersion is an option for all incoming St. Louis Park kindergarten students. In Janury, families receive application information and forms. If necessary, a lottery will be held to determine enrollment. Call PSI at 952.928.6759 for application information and deadlines.
What does research say about half-day versus all-day kindergarten?
A study by the National Center for Education Statistics (June, 2004) indicated a positive association with learning in reading and mathematics during the kindergarten year. In general, research indicates that there seem to be many positive learning and social/behavioral benefits for children in all day kindergarten program. At the same time, it is important to remember that what children are doing during the kindergarten day is more important than the length of the school day. That National Center for Education Statistics study showed that the most common skills and activities in full day classes are generally the most common in half day classes.
What questions can we ask that might help us decide?
- Would my child be able to separate comfortably from our family for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week?
- Does my child have the maturity and stamina to attend school all day?
- What kind of feedback have I received from my child’s preschool teachers or others about my child’s needs and abilities? What might they suggest about my child being enrolled in half-day or all-day K?
- What skills and experiences would my child gain in all-day K that s/he would not gain in half-day K, at home or in child care?
- How are the half-day and full-day classrooms different? What advantages and disadvantages do you see to each as they apply to your child?
- Check in with your child’s preschool teachers and ask them specifically about your child and half-day or all-day K.
- Attend the information nights at Aquila and Peter Hobart where you can ask specific questions about the half-day and full-day kindergarten programs.
- Ask friends and relatives whose children have attended half-day and full-day K what considerations they took in account when making their family’s decision.