At Holway Early Childhood Center, we recognize that each child’s journey to kindergarten is unique. Our Transitional Kindergarten program is designed to give children the additional time and support they need to thrive. As the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience, Transitional Kindergarten offers a blend of preschool and early kindergarten education, tailored for children who aren't quite ready for traditional kindergarten.

What is Transitional Kindergarten?

Transitional Kindergarten is a specialized early education program that serves as the bridge between preschool and kindergarten, helping children develop the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for success in school. Our Transitional Kindergarten class is taught by credentialed teachers using a modified kindergarten curriculum that’s both age-appropriate and developmentally suitable for younger learners.

Learning Objectives

The Transitional Kindergarten program focuses on nurturing essential skills that set the stage for future academic success. The key learning objectives include:

• Language and Literacy Development: Children are introduced to the fundamentals of reading and writing through engaging activities that promote letter recognition, phonics, and vocabulary growth.
• Early Math Skills: Through interactive and hands-on experiences, children explore numbers, patterns, shapes, and basic problem-solving concepts, laying the groundwork for mathematical thinking.
• Cognitive Development: We foster curiosity and a love for learning by encouraging children to ask questions, explore their environment, and engage in activities that promote critical thinking.
• Physical Development: Our curriculum includes activities that enhance both fine motor skills, such as drawing and cutting, and gross motor skills through physical play, helping children build strength and coordination.

Social Skills Development

We understand the importance of social and emotional development in early childhood. Our Transitional Kindergarten program places a strong emphasis on:

• Emotional Awareness: Children learn to recognize and express their emotions in healthy ways, building a strong foundation for emotional intelligence.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Through group activities and cooperative play, children develop the skills to work with others, share, and take turns, fostering positive social interactions.
• Conflict Resolution: We guide children in navigating social challenges and resolving conflicts, helping them develop empathy and effective communication skills.
• Building Friendships: Our supportive environment encourages children to form meaningful relationships with their peers, creating a sense of community and belonging.

Outcomes

Completing our Transitional Kindergarten program prepares children for a successful transition into kindergarten. The outcomes of our program include:

• Confidence and Independence: Our graduates enter kindergarten with increased confidence and the independence needed to thrive in a classroom setting.
• Academic Readiness: Children leave our program with a strong foundation in language, literacy, and math, ready to excel in their academic journey.
• Social Competence: Equipped with essential social skills, our students are prepared to navigate the social dynamics of school and form positive relationships with others.

At Holway Early Childhood Center, we are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment where your child can grow and flourish. Our Transitional Kindergarten program is designed to give your child the best possible start on their educational journey.