At what age can my child start kindergarten in PSD?
A child must turn five on or before Oct. 1 of that school year to be eligible to be enrolled in Kindergarten.
Is kindergarten full-day?
Yes
What if my child’s birthday is close to the cutoff date?
There are no exceptions to the age cutoff, but if a child’s birthday falls shortly after October 1st, they can apply for the gifted and talented program.
How does PSD help children transition from Pre-K (or home) into kindergarten?
PSD supports children transitioning from Pre-K or home to kindergarten through orientation sessions, family engagement events, and visits to kindergarten classrooms. They also provide resources and communication to help families understand what to expect, easing children’s adjustment to the new school environment.
Can I visit a school before registering my child for kindergarten?
Yes, schools offer tours or open houses to help families get familiar with the environment. Contact the school to schedule a visit.
What does a typical Kindergarten day look like?
Welcome: Students are greeted individually as they arrive and take time to get settled into the classroom environment.
Morning Meeting & Check-in: Students gather on the carpet for a Morning Meeting. This is a dedicated time to review the daily schedule, share announcements, and engage in a social-emotional check-in.
Core Instruction: The largest block of the day is dedicated to Reading and Math. Instruction involves a mix of whole-group lessons to introduce new concepts and focused small-group work to provide targeted, differentiated practice that meets each student's needs.
I/E Block: This stands for Intervention, ELD (English Language Development), or Extension. This is primarily a literacy focused time when teachers and specialists work with small groups, providing the precise support or advanced challenge a student needs to excel in reading and writing.
Science and Social Studies: These subjects rotate and alternate across the week(s), allowing students to engage in hands-on exploration and develop curiosity about the world around them.
Recess: The day is intentionally structured with breaks to support young learners. This includes a break for snack and recess, and a dedicated lunch and recess time. These periods are essential for physical activity and developing social skills through play.