What is the difference between the School District of New Berlin's Early Learning Program and the New Berlin Preschool?
The original New Berlin Preschool was started in conjunction with the School District of New Berlin and located at Ronald Reagan. When the SDNB decided to combine its preschool option together with its Kindergarten Preparatory Academy and the early childhood program for students with disabilities for the 2018-19 school year and beyond, we renamed it the Early Learning Program. It is important to know that the name "New Berlin Preschool" is still being used by an organization that has started a new preschool program in West Allis; it is not affiliated with the School District of New Berlin in any way.
Is the School District of New Berlin's tuition rate higher than other providers?
The hourly rate for our programming - $6.85 per hour for 4-year-olds and $6.94 for 3-year-olds - is highly competitive with other area programs.
Why does the program run 5 days a week for 4-year-olds?
By having our programming run 5 days a week for 4-year-olds, we believe we are providing not only curricular readiness for participants, but also the structural readiness they will face when they enter kindergarten. Likewise, we believe by offering a 4-day/week program for our 3-year-olds in the morning, we are able to provide consistent exposure to age-appropriate social and academic learning experiences. Our intent is to create a classroom experience for participants and our staff that is focused on strong interpersonal connections and familiarity which creates an environment where children can take risks under the careful guidance of adults who know them well based on the amount of time they spend together.
Ronald Reagan Elementary is a big school. Isn't it TOO big for my child?
We are extremely proud of our facilities at Ronald Reagan Elementary. There, our Early Learning Program children will benefit from an outstanding learning environment and access to some of the finest amenities in the area. Our Early Learning Program children will also be welcomed as part of a larger school community. this will provide our children a greater understanding of what a school experience will look, sound and feel like prior to their kindergarten year.
Will the School District of New Berlin provide transportation to and from the program?
Transportation is not provided, unless required by a student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Is childcare available before or after program sessions?
Onsite childcare for students enrolled in our early learning program is provided outside of program hours and delivered by a childcare provider - the Southwest YMCA - not the school district. All fees and paperwork associated with childcare are completed with the YMCA. Space is limited. Please contact registrar@gwcymca.org for registration and fee information.
What will students learn?
Program teachers will use Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards to help students learn:
- language, communication and early literacy development;
- math and science concepts through problem-solving and inquiry;
- social and emotional development through interactions, relationships and experiences;
- executive function skills, which coordinate cognitive skills such as paying attention, organizing and planning, initiating and focusing on tasks, regulating emotions, and self-monitoring.
Students receiving special education services will also receive the programming outlined in their IEP.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Yes, students in both the 3 and 4 year old programs are expected to be potty-trained. Your child should be able to inform staff if they have to use the bathroom, and demonstrate independence with self-help skills and physical needs (e.g. wiping, hand washing, dressing).
Should my child have a spare change of clothes at school?
Yes. Messes and accidents happen at preschool. Having a clean set of clothes to change into is helpful. The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards emphasize the importance of children being able to effectively care for their own physical health and safety needs so staff will encourage independence with dressing and self-care routines. Staff may assist your child with self-care skills if toileting accidents occur, if assistance is needed they will continue to work with parents and students to increase levels of independence with those skills.
May I open enroll my School District of New Berlin-resident child into another district that has a traditional 4K program?
No. Wisconsin State Statute 118.51(2) states that both resident and nonresident districts must have the same type of program, and SDNB's Early Learning Program is not considered a traditional 4K; therefore, it is a different "type" of program.
Who do I contact for more information?
Please contact Brady Reinke, Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning or Amanda Mazurkiewicz, Director of Student Services.
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