Kindergarten Readiness

If the adage, “Everything I needed to know, I learned in kindergarten,” is true, then parents and teachers must ensure every child who starts kindergarten is ready to learn. At Foothill we are less concerned about what a child has learned prior to kindergarten and more concerned that they are ready to learn.

Placing children in a program most suitable to their learning needs and developmental readiness is an imperative.

What options does Foothill Christian School and Preschool provide parents?

Foothill Christian School & Preschool offers four options for parents of students who are 4 and 5. Regular Kindergarten, Junior Kindergarten, Transitional Kindergarten, and a 4 year old class. These programs have always been offered at Foothill, but have been recently re-named to better align with what most people associate with the terms.

Regular kindergarten and TK are both considered early childhood education programs, but there are definitely some differences. Transitional kindergarten is intended to be a transition program that serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten. The curriculum in TK is modified to be more age and developmentally appropriate for younger children, while kindergarten has a more challenging academic curriculum. There are state standards for the learning goals and objectives specific for each program, but it’s fair to say that TK focuses on readiness and kindergarten begins to build upon those readiness foundations. Junior Kindergarten is very similar to a TK program but would also include children who are age-eligible for kindergarten but are looking for a bonus year of social, emotional, and/or academic development.

Kindergarten | Elementary Campus

FCS offers three kindergarten classes at the Baseline Campus. This is a full day program (no naps) with standard kindergarten learning goals and age appropriate academic rigor. Students in the regular kindergarten wear school uniforms and participate in enrichment classes such music, physical education, and library times. Class size is 18 students with one teacher and a part-time aide.

Junior Kindergarten | Elementary Campus

Junior Kindergarten is a “step-down” kindergarten program offered at the Baseline elementary school. The term is not new, but was the precursor to TK programs, and usually included kindergarten age-eligible students, as well. Our Junior Kinder program is for two distinct target groups. First, are students who are age eligible for kindergarten but would benefit from an additional year of readiness…often referred to as a bonus year. The second target group are children who are TK eligible (see chart), but prefer greater emphasis on academics, no naps, wearing school uniforms, and access to the elementary enrichment programs. Class size is 18 students with one teacher and a part-time aide.

Transitional Kindergarten | Preschool Campus

Foothill Christian Preschool will now offer three or four TK classes at the Rt. 66 campus. These classes were formerly called “Advanced Pre-K” but the curriculum and readiness goals align with the more commonly known TK program. So, for Foothill, it’s mostly a name change to help parents better understand the program their child will receive. Families will have the option to place their child in a TK room that offers naps or a TK room that does not. Enrichment classes are incorporated into the classroom curriculum. Class size meets state licensing requirements for preschool classes which is one teacher with 12 students.

4 Year Old Class | Preschool Class

Age Requirements:

Parents should work closely with their preschool teachers to help determine the best placement for their child.

Upcoming Events

Kindergarten Readiness Parent Workshop

This parent meeting takes place every September and teaches you top 10 ways to prepare your child for kindergarten and elementary learning!

Check out this previously recorded video and handouts below:

Kindergarten Readiness Workshop

Kindergarten Readiness Resources

Enrollment Questions?

For questions about Kindergarten or Jr. K enrollment please contact Admissions Director, Suzy Esquivel, at: sesquivel@foothillchristian.org

For questions about TK or the 4 Year Old Classes at the preschool contact, Preschool Admissions Coordinatr, Nora Guerra, at: nguerra@foothillchristian.org