WISCONSIN CONNECTION ACADEMY’S 4K PROGRAM
WCA does offer four-year-old kindergarten (4K).
There are differences between the 4K program and WCA's K-12 program. The 4K program is not be apart of Connexus, the K-12 student learning system. It has its own learning management system. In addition, computers will not be offered to 4K students. Families will receive a computer if they have students in grades K-12. This computer can be used for the 4K program. If a family only has students in 4K (no other grade), the family would not receive a computer and would need to provide their own device.
What is 4K?
Four-year-old kindergarten is similar to what some may know as preschool or pre-kindergarten. 4K provides young children with the opportunity to participate in a quality early learning program that provides a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Children build the social and pre-academic skills that contribute to future success in school.
What are the benefits of 4K?
- Guarantee of a DPI licensed teacher
- A curriculum that addresses the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards for preschool children
- Opportunities for early identification of potential learning needs and intervention
- Expanded parent involvement and training opportunities
- Additional resources to maintain and build on quality early learning programming
What does 4K look like at Wisconsin Connections Academy?
- 4K in Wisconsin Connections Academy is univeral for all 4-year-olds and voluntary.
- 4K is a comprehensive child development program providing high-quality learning opportunities for all four-year old children and their families prior to 5K.
ENROLLMENT
Who is eligible for for 4K?
To be eligible
for 4K, a child must be 4-years-old on or before
September 1 of the year the child will enter school.
Is early entrance into the AASD 4K Program possible?
Early entrance to 4K will not be considered. A child must be 4-years-old on or before September 1 of that school year to participate in the 4K program.
Early entrance to 4K will not be considered. A child must be 4-years-old on or before September 1 of that school year to participate in the 4K program.
Can a student attend 4K through open enrollment?
A
pupil may participate in open enrollment for 4-year-old kindergarten (4K) only
if:
- The pupil’s resident school district offers a 4K program, and
- The pupil is eligible for the program in her/his resident school district.
Note: 97.6% of Wisconsin School Districts offer 4K programming.
What are the days/hours of the program?
What are the days/hours of the program?
Four-year-old Kindergarten will follow the Appleton Area
School District’s school year calendar. Children will attend 4K programming for
five days a week for approximately 2 ½ hours.
Do families have a tuition cost for 4K?
There
is no tuition fee for the 4-year-old Kindergarten program.
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
What curriculum is used?
Wisconsin Connections Academy's 4K curriculum is aligned to the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Starndards (WMELS) and the Common Core State Standards for Kindergarten. The curriculum will be a combination of Starfall's Pre-K and Appleton Area School District's 4K curriculum.
Wisconsin Connections Academy's 4K curriculum is aligned to the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Starndards (WMELS) and the Common Core State Standards for Kindergarten. The curriculum will be a combination of Starfall's Pre-K and Appleton Area School District's 4K curriculum.
What will a 4K student experience?
High-quality early learning experiences for young
children that capitalize on their natural curiosity. 4K curriculum activities
for four-year-olds will involve lots of play based opportunities for discovery,
problem-solving, and social interactions. Language-rich environments will
provide a solid foundation for future learning. Play is the work of early
childhood; play is how much of their learning takes place.
Will my child be assessed in 4K? What will be assessed?
Yes, children participating in 4K will be assessed. Their
progress in the 4K developmental areas of Approaches to Learning, Language
Development and Communication Arts, Mathematical Thinking, Physical Health and
Development, and Social-Emotional Development will be monitored in an ongoing
manner based upon the student’s performance in curriculum activities. Families
will be required to travel to a testing location closest to their home multiple
times a school year.
How is my child’s progress documented/shared?
In addition to parent-teacher conferences, a progress
report will be completed and sent home at the end of each semester.
Will parent-teacher conferences be offered?
Yes,
parents can expect parent-teacher conferences at least twice a month.
Will field trips be offered?
Yes, field trips will be offered around the
state
