|Columbus City Schools Full-Day Kindergarten
Full-Day Kindergarten is a developmentally appropriate program, designed specifically for children five years of age. In Ohio, a child who is five years old on or before September 30th of a school year is eligible for kindergarten. Columbus City Schools offers full-day Kindergarten in all district elementary schools.
The full-day kindergarten program provides a varied curriculum, greater opportunities for the instructional team to work with the children on a one on one basis, more enrichment activities and longer blocks of time for more meaningful, uninterrupted experiences.
Kindergarten Registration is Now OPEN
Sign Up at the Central Enrollment Center
It's never too early to begin planning for that first day of school. Columbus parents with a child who will be age five by Sept. 30, 2014, are encouraged to enroll their child in Kindergarten. Use the Kindergarten Enrollment flyer link to view details on what you will need to bring to get your student enrolled.
Kindergarten Enrollment Flyer
What Children Learn
Children learn many things in kindergarten. A developmentally appropriate program has children involved in active learning. With a strong focus on literacy, children are given the foundation for learning to read and write. The reading and sharing of books is an integral part of the kindergarten curriculum, and as a result of daily reading, writing and sharing of good literature, children develop a love of books and are eager to learn to read. Through concrete / hands-on experiences and intentional teaching children learn Math , Science, and Social Studies. In addition to the basics, kindergarten students engage in music, drama, art and movement as a way to develop the "whole" child - cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically.
Goals and Objectives of the Full-Day Kindergarten Program
The main goal of the full-day kindergarten program is that of increased academic achievement for all of its students. All students are expected to learn and to develop to their full potential. It is believed that given an appropriate curriculum for children, a stimulating learning environment, developmentally appropriate materials, equipment and supplies, a competent, caring instructional staff (teacher and instructional assistant), and supportive parents, all kindergarten students will be able to learn and be successful. The instructional staff views the child as a competent individual and works with the child in this manner. Although emphasis is placed on "academic achievement," it is believed and understood that the child is a "whole" person, and all areas of development are important and are fostered.
Parents are viewed as partners in the educational process Their input and involvement play an important role in ensuring their child's success in school. Parents are expected and encouraged to be active participants in their child's education. Many options for involvement are provided to them: parent as classroom volunteer, parent as resource person, parent as advisory council member, parent as coordinator/planner of field trips, room parties, etc., parent as mentor to other parents, and parent as coordinator of telephone tree (responsible for calling and communicating with other parents about the kindergarten program)
Parents are encouraged to register their children early, prior to the first day of school in August. Early Kindergarten registration for Columbus City Schools begins in April. Parents are encouraged to register their child for kindergarten anytime during April and May. Registering your child during this time can help you get off to a good start by starting off early. It can also help you and your child make a smooth transition into kindergarten.
Children are to be registered at the Central Enrollment Center, 430 Cleveland Ave. For more information on enrolling your child, call 365-4011, or call the FACTline (221-3228). This line operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.
To register a child for kindergarten, the parent or legal guardian must provide a copy of the child's birth certificate, proof of residence and proof of required immunizations: diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio. Also, proof of custody is required from parents who have ended their marriage through divorce or dissolution, or if the child's last name is different than that of the parent or legal guardian.