District Excellence in Education
Early Learning Pathways
The following pathways provide learning opportunities for our youngest Tigers, ages birth - Grade 5.
Junior Kindergarten
What is the program?
The program concentrates on basic skills that are the foundation for early learning. Learners are given opportunities through center-based play to develop early learning concepts through concrete experiences. The classroom environment will stimulate curiosity, a questioning attitude and an eagerness for learning. Positive social interactions and skills will be a critical focus embedded into daily lessons. Junior Kindergarten curriculum will focus on immersing learners in engaging rich oral language, literacy and numeracy skills.
FAQs
- Enrollment is based on highest need district wide
- Specials will be the same as Kindergarten, except possibly an adjusted time for Art & Library
- Students will transfer from Junior Kindergarten to Kindergarten to 1st, etc
- If a learner qualifies for Junior Kindergarten, the decision of Junior Kindergarten vs Kindergarten is ultimately left up to the parents
- Class sizes are equivalent to Kindergarten enrollments with a ½ time EA (2 spots per attendance center will be kept open for fall enrollments)
Who qualifies?
- Children who are age 5 by Sept. 1
- Students who have had no or limited preschool experiences
- Students who have been referred through the district Kindergarten Assessment.
Sites:
There will be three sites for the JrK program. The southern program will be located at Freedom Elementary in Harrisburg and the northern programs are at Explorer Elementary & Horizon Elementary in Sioux Falls.