56 Part One The Children and You
Curriculum
Kindergarten curriculum may
vary from school to school. Some
schools stress certain preacademic
skills, such as learning the names
and sounds of alphabet letters.
Other programs focus more
on social development. These
programs are less structured than
those that stress preacademics.
Kindergarten teachers,
unlike most elementary teachers,
have more freedom in planning
curriculum. Studies show that in
most kindergarten programs, about
50 percent of the day is spent on
creative activities. Included are
art, woodworking, blockbuilding,
storytelling, and music. Free play,
self-care, and rest fill the remaining fi
time, 2-5. The teacher provides social
studies, mathematics, language, and
science activities as well.
School-Age Child
Care
p grams School-ag g e child care p ro g
provide care for children before
and/or after school. These programs
are often sponsored by schools,
houses of worship, or child care
centers. Children from 5 to 10 years
old most often attend. The program
supplements regular classes. These
children are provided assistance with
homework. They also play games
and take part in other activities.
As an alternative, some parents
use checking-in g services. These
services hire workers who call the
home to check whether the child
has arrived safely. This is a good
option only for children who are
mature enough to provide self-care
until parents arrive.
Parent
Cooperatives
Parent cooperatives p are formed
and run by parents who wish
to take part in their children’s
preschool experience. Member
control allows parents to prepare
budgets, hire teachers, set program
policies and goals, and assist in the
classroom. These programs may
offer full-day or half-day programs.
Cooperatives provide
developmental experiences
for adults as well as children.
Specifically, parents fi
obtain guidance in their jobs as
parents
learn what children are like at
different ages and stages
gain several free mornings each
month
F Fr Fr ee ee p p lay la y and an d creativity cr ea ti vi ty a a re re
important m in kindergarten programs.
F F
i m
2-5
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