FDCSD Offers Transitional Kindergarten
November 8, 2019, Fort Dodge, IA- In addition to kindergarten, the Fort Dodge Community School District offers a transitional kindergarten (TK) program.
TK is an educational program that is a bridge between preschool and traditional kindergarten, providing students time to build the necessary social and academic skills for success throughout their school experience. TK is based on the Iowa Core Kindergarten Standards, including focused instruction in literacy and numeracy with a strong emphasis on self-regulation and social engagement.
Families should consider their child’s language, social, cognitive and motor skills development to determine if TK is the right fit for their child. Conversation with the child’s preschool teacher can also help with the decision.
Typical kindergarten readiness skills include:
- Holding and using crayons/pencils
- Holding and using scissors
- Manipulating zippers, buttons and snaps
- Identifying 10-20 lowercase and uppercase letter names and sounds
- Identifying numerals to 10 presented in random order
- Recognizing their name in print, as well as the letters in their name
- Communicating about a story by answering questions or making comments
- Listening and following simple directions
- Interacting appropriately with peers and adults
TK is a free, all day (8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.) program available to FDCSD students. Transportation to and from Riverside Early Learning Center is offered for those who qualify. To enroll in TK for the 2020-21 school year, students must turn five years old on or before September 15, 2020.
TK students can participate in Dodger Academy, the District’s after school program, from 2:45 – 6 p.m. each school day. Bus transportation is provided to Dodger Academy, which is located at Butler Elementary. There is a fee for this program.
The District has 40 seats available for TK each year. Beginning on March 2, 2020, families can call the district registrar at 574.5679 to secure a spot for the 20-21 school year. Once the seats are full, students will be placed on a waiting list.
For more information regarding TK or if you have questions about the program please contact Tabitha Acree, Riverside Early Learning Center principal, at 574.5740 or tacree@fdschools.org.
The mission of the Fort Dodge Community School District is to provide quality learning experiences and build relationships that develop productive citizens ready for their futures. For more information about the Fort Dodge Community Schools visit www.fdschools.org or call 515.576.1161. Our Schools. Our Community. Our Pride.
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