Count 5: A Campaign to Change School Readiness RN Beck Child Development Center, Woods Road Child Development Center and The Office of Parent Information Services have spent the past year restructuring its programs to include Helle Heckmann’s Five Golden Keys. The Five Golden Keys - Sleep, Movement, Mealtime, Routine and Loving Care - define the necessary things a young child must have to enter school ready to learn. While the ABC’s and 1,2,3’s get a lot of publicity for being the foundation of school, the real basis for school readiness and life are found in the Golden Keys. Without the keys governing the way young children are cared for at home and at school, children will not be prepared. Therefore, the readiness programs must be constantly monitored and changed to meet the ever changing needs of individual children. Let’s look at the recent changes the programs have incorporated. Playgrounds - The Woods Road Playground was given a facelift this summer to increase the opportunities for children to MOVE. Outdoor play is central for children’s optimal development both physically and mentally. Opportunities to climb a hill, swing, run, build a playhouse and dig in the sand are examples of how children use the outdoors to grow and learn. Also to be added by Thanksgiving are water play, trike paths, and a nature walk. Mealtime - When Chartwells took over Florence One Food Services this fall, they agreed to offer in-classroom food service to preschool children. Each day, children help set up the tables in their classroom with the help of their teachers. When the food arrives in the classroom, they help serve and sit down for a homelike meal together. Instead of an overwhelming cafeteria, children and their teachers sit and eat together. Learning to help others, eat properly and carry on conversations builds children’s skills for Kindergarten. Sleep - After lunch, children settle down for a nap. The children assist in putting out their sleeping cots, get their blankets, take off their shoes and settle in for a quiet nap time story from the teacher. Within minutes, children settle into a rest that is safe, secure and restorative for their busy afternoon to follow. Loving Care - The cornerstone of good early childhood education is the loving, respectful care of a parent or teacher. At our preschools, teachers always take time to listen to children, give them chances to express themselves and allow them time to carry out their ideas in play. When children have a hard day, our staff is there with loving guidance to provide what they need. Playgroups - Younger children ages 0 - 3 now have an opportunity to come to school. Two-hour long playgroups are being offered at both preschools by the Office of Parent Information Services. Parents and their children come to school and play while their parents watch and ask questions of parenting experts. After an hour of self-directed play, the children have a snack time, outdoor time and closing circle song. If parents are interested in participating in our services, they may call our offices for more information.
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