by Mike Knaak
news@thenewsleaders.com
Important dates are coming for the parents of the youngest learners in the Sartell-St. Stephen school district.
Registration and open houses have been scheduled for next fall’s preschool and kindergarten classes at Oak Ridge Early Learning Center.
Here are the dates:
- From 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, there’s a preschool information night for parents and guardians.
- On Thursday, Feb. 2 online registration opens.
- There’s a kindergarten information night for parents and guardians at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6.
- For families interested in the district’s Early Childhood Family Education programs there’s a Family Night scheduled from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.
The district offers six options for preschool students, including half day, full day, five-days-a-week, three-days-a-week and two-days- a-week sessions. All-day and half-day classes are for children who will be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2023. Half-day morning classes two days a week are for children who will be 3 years old by Sept. 1.
Next year’s kindergarten students must be 5 years old by Sept. 1.
Preschool classes are taught by four-year licensed teachers, said Julie Thom, Early Childhood coordinator.
“The prekindergarten classes are an opportunity to learn routines and expectations of school,” Thom said. “Preschoolers get a chance to experience the social-emotional curriculum and it’s aligned with the kindergarten curriculum. Students focus on early math and literacy skills.”
Preschoolers go to the library, gym and play outside.
“They have a chance to try out our smart course,” Thom said. At the activity stations, children use different muscle groups to build strength and balance.
Oak Ridge Early Learning Center serves 150 children in the prekindergarten programs and 233 kindergartners. For more information and registration details, visit isd748.org/ORELC.
“We offer a great transition into the K-12 education system,” Thom said. “Everything is focused on the youngest learners here.”
