Pre-K 4 SA’s play-based learning approach fosters creativity, independence, and critical thinking, giving children the best chance to succeed in kindergarten, grade school, and beyond.
Families who want to ensure the smoothest transition to kindergarten possible can apply to enroll their child in the Gardendale Early Learning Program. The Gardendale program, through a partnership with Edgewood ISD, offers a unique opportunity for children to continue the high-quality Pre-K 4 SA curriculum through kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade.
Touring the Gardendale Early Learning Program
Recently, families with children at Pre-K 4 SA education centers had an opportunity to tour Gardendale by taking a bus from the center they currently attend.
Families started their tour by gathering in the library, where they saw a presentation from Head of School Manuela Haberer and Assistant Principal Dawn Rose. The presentation highlighted some of the changes in routine and curriculum that take place as children progress into kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade.
The families were then introduced to a Literary Assistant who oversees the Makerspace, a section of the library where students work on STEM projects inspired by stories they read together as a class. The Maker’s Area is a creative space where children complete hands-on projects that require collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving. At the time of the tour, children had been working on clay pots that they could then take home.
After touring the Maker’s Area, families were guided through the halls of Gardendale, where they could observe classes at various grade levels through windows in the hallways. They also got to see the four areas where children spend outside time — two traditional playgrounds and two outdoor learning environments similar to those at other education centers.
Consistency in Routine Helps the Transition to Kindergarten
Unlike the other education centers, Gardendale does not have 3-year-old students; however, they do have kindergarten, 1st- and 2nd-grade classes incorporating many of the same routines and lessons that children have grown used to throughout their time at Pre-K 4 SA.
Children who progress into kindergarten at Gardendale enjoy many of the same activities and routines that they did during their Pre-K years. As they progress into 1st and 2nd grade, there are some changes that help them prepare for the rest of their grade school years.
For example, Pre-K and kindergarteners continue to eat family-style meals, while 1st and 2nd graders eat in the cafeteria. Kindergarteners no longer have naptime, but they do have mindfulness time that helps them practice self-awareness and self-management.
Children in Pre-K and kindergarten spend an hour outside each day, while those in 1st and 2nd grade get 45 minutes of outdoor time. Gardendale also offers after-school art and dance clubs that keep students active and exercise their creativity.
All Gardendale Pre-K and kindergarten classes have two adults at all times — the teacher and an assistant. Assistants for 1st and 2nd grade are creatively scheduled so that those classes also have two adults in them as much as possible.
Families Provided with Familiar Support
Families with children at Gardendale also have much of the same support available to them as they do when their child is in pre-kindergarten. An instructional specialist, behavioral specialist, counselor, and family liaison work together with families and help provide a solid foundation for children’s success.
Families with schedules that require care beyond normal school hours can request children in pre-k and kindergarten to take part in Pre-K 4 SA’s extended day program, which extends their play-based learning until 6 p.m. Those in 1st and 2nd grade can take part in Edgewood All Stars, an after-school program that is more academically focused. Edgewood also runs a summer program that children can attend to continue learning through activities and field trips.
Currently, Pre-K 4 SA does not provide transportation for families that live outside the Edgewood district boundaries. However, if enough families with children at other education centers enroll their children, Pre-K 4 SA will provide buses from those education centers to Gardendale.
See FAQs and learn more about the Gardendale Early Learning Program.