What is Pre-K?

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So apparently now there is a new grade in the school system in the US?

When I was in school, it was preschool, KG and then 1-8 before high school.

Now, its pre-school, pre-k and then KG and then first grade?

What do parents think of this?

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Re: What is Pre-K?

So typicaly, when your kid is potty trained at 3, you put them in PreSchool. Age 3-4 is preK 1, age 4-5 is preK2. Then your kids goes to Kintergarten at 5.

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Re: What is Pre-K?

It makes sense when you put it like that

BUT

Is pre-k a requirement now?

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Re: What is Pre-K?

It is good for kids to have some school experience before they start kindergarten.

5

Re: What is Pre-K?

PreK is another name for preschool. Its not a requirement.

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Re: What is Pre-K?

here in miami, fl

we have pre-school (optional) start at 4 years old, then kindergarten(5 years), 1st grade and so on. Kindergarten is actual school.

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Re: What is Pre-K?

No it isn't a requirement. Offical school starts at Kindergarten.

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Re: What is Pre-K?

Teachers say that it's not "your" kindergarten anymore

meaning that Kindergarden years before use to be more social and play based where as now they are pushing much more academic based curriculum. A typical kindergartner has quarterly reports cards and is expected to know application of alphabets, numbers, colors, shapes how to write their name before kindergarten.

So in pre-K - those skills are taught where you show how to hold a pencil correctly, gross motor skills, schedules, routines, eating by yourself, paying attnetion.

Is it mandatory - no.

Is it worth while for your child to get a head start socially and academically - absolutely (IMO)

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Re: What is Pre-K?

Can't speak for the rest of the country, but here in Texas Pre-Kindergarten is 4 yr olds who qualify on the following criteria;

-family is economically disadvantage (must meet federal income guidelines)
-ESL (english as a second language)
-active military
-special ed (some sort of physical/mental disability)

most pre-k programs in the larger school districts are only half day (8-11 or 12-3), however, because of massive budget cuts, some districts are doing away with these all together....