What is the Army Strong Beginnings Pre-K Program?

The Army Strong Beginnings Pre-K is a program designed to prepare children to be successful to enter school. Curriculum focuses on the social, emotional, and physical development of children; equips them with basic academics and “Kindergarten Classroom Etiquette” skills to enhance “school readiness.”

Who is eligible for the Program?

Children who will be entering Kindergarten the following fall (4 years old prior to Aug 15) are eligible to attend Strong Beginnings Pre-K.

If I live off post, is my child eligible to attend the Strong Beginnings Pre-K?

Yes, unlike DODEA Pre-K, the CYS Services Pre-K Program is open to children who are 4 years old prior to 15 August, regardless of where they live.

When is the Strong Beginnings Pre-K Program?  I need care before and after?

Strong Beginnings facility is open 5:30am - 6pm. Strong Beginnings programming is 9am - 12pm with care provided the entire time the program is open.

When does Strong Beginnings Pre-K operate?

The Strong Beginnings Pre-K program follows the DODEA School Kindergarten calendar.

What will the Strong Beginnings Pre-K program cost?

Fees will be based upon total Family income.
 

What curriculum is used?

Creative Curriculum is the curriculum for Strong Beginnings Pre-K. It integrates learning using Literacy, Social Studies, Science, Math, Art, Music & Movement.

What assessment system is used?

The assessment tool used is Teaching Strategies Gold. Parents are invited to participate in their child’s learning by communicating with us through My Teaching Strategies online. Accurate assessment of a child’s development and learning is an essential part of our program. This enables us to plan meaningful activities that match his or her strengths, needs, and interests. To accomplish that, our program uses the online version of My Teaching Strategies, an efficient assessment, reporting, and planning system. It helps us to collaborate with the parents as we follow their child’s progress and plan our program.

What is the difference between Preschool and Strong Beginnings Pre-K?

Childcare helps to develop the “whole child” from birth to age 4. Focus is on social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of children. We nurture children and help them grow. Children are always free to explore and take risks in a safe environment. In preschool a child is encouraged to develop friendships, learn how to play with others, take turns, is introduced to pre-math, pre-science, pre-reading and pre-writing, etc. While Strong Beginnings Pre-K still does all of those wonderful things for children, there is more focus on academics skills, learning self- control and following directions, learning numbers, colors, shapes and simple mathematical concepts, writing, reading. We use learning games and hands on materials such as: manipulatives, writing tools, drawing tools and out of the box ideas generated through conversation along with webbing. We like to think of our children as “Think-Starters!”

Also, as a part of the Strong Beginnings Pre-K Program, there is a Functional Fitness program. The principles of the Functional Fitness program states that every child is unique and can perform fun, safe and effective physical training activities at a young age. This Army program is facilitated through our Sports and Fitness program daily.

In addition to our classrooms, we have an Art Studio, Science Studio, Library area and a computer lab which children are introduced to S.T.E.A.M. learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math). These rooms are used on a rotation basis daily by each Pre K class.

How will we celebrate the end of the school year?

We recognize that leaving Strong Beginnings Pre-K and going to Kindergarten is a big deal for you and your child. We will celebrate the end of Strong Beginnings Pre-K with a “Graduation” type ceremony that will be fun and meaningful for the children and parents.