Transitional-Kindergarten (TK): We call this the “bonus” year. Our Transitional Kindergarten was created to support the needs of children who would be age-ready (5 years old by Oct 15th) for a public/private Kindergarten setting, but are given the bonus year to grow physically, emotionally or academically. In the State of Maine, children do not need to be enrolled in public/private school until they are 6 years old. A bonus year gives a child the opportunity to grow physically, solidify their foundational academic skills, and emotionally handle the peer and social pressures especially in upper elementary, middle and high school. In TK the focus is on Kindergarten readiness. We use the Kindergarten for ME curriculum as a guide and provide opportunities that align with the Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS) to increase motor skills, language development, critical thinking, visual learning, inventiveness, creativity and cultural awareness. Through creative movement, rhythmic song, and artistic expression, as well as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) we seek to develop the primary skills of decision making, problem solving, and self-evaluation, which build self-confidence and healthy self-esteem. These experiences also encourage cooperation, empathy, healthy expression and understanding, all of which establish an excellent foundation for learning as children move into the academic world and throughout life. 5 days Monday-Friday Half day option 9:00-12:00 Optional extended day program 12:00-3:00 Beforecare 7:15-8:30 and Aftercare 3:00-5:30 available K for ME curriculum and Maine Early Learning and Development Standards as a guide We look closely at the skill set for each child and individualize a plan for their education based on their needs. We use Maine’s Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS) to develop a curriculum filled with activities that go hand-in-hand with a child’s development and Kindergarten readiness. We provide opportunities that increase motor skills, language development, decision making, visual learning, inventiveness, creativity and cultural awareness. Through creative movement, rhythmic song, and artistic expression, we seek to develop the primary skills of decision making, problem solving, and self-evaluation, which build self-confidence and healthy self-esteem. These experiences also encourage cooperation, empathy, healthy expression and understanding, all of which establish an excellent foundation for learning as children move into the academic world and throughout life.