Early Childhood Education

“Research has shown that supporting the healthy development of a child right from the start promotes significant educational, social, and financial benefits for children, as well as for their communities” (http://www.p12.nysed.gov/earlylearning/parentresources/).  

At RCS, we value providing a rich learning experience for our youngest learner in order to propel them for a career of success and opportunities.  Early childhood education refers to students in prekindergarten and kindergarten and RCS is proud to offer these robust programs.

Pre-Kindergarten

The New York State Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program (PreK) is a state- and district-funded program that provides educationally based, high-quality pre-kindergarten to four-year-old children. The program is free to all eligible accepted children. PreK provides developmentally appropriate activities to help four-year-olds prepare for Kindergarten. Our state’s school standards and expectations have become more rigorous, it is important to make sure young children enter school with basic skills in place is critical for success. Skills and learning includes:

  • Early literacy skills (reading & writing) like name recognition and letter and sound identification

  • Early numeracy skills (math) like identifying patterns and counting with manipulatives

  • Science & Social Studies topics and exploration of the world around us

  • Fine motor skills through sensory play and hands-on art projects

  • Speech and language by singing songs and playing games

  • Social-Emotional Learning by fostering independence and self-awareness

Who is eligible for PreK?

Section 3602-e of Education Law defines an “eligible child” as a child who resides within a PreK-participating school district and who is four years of age on or before December 1 or otherwise eligible to attend Kindergarten the following school year. A child who is age-eligible to attend Kindergarten is not eligible for the PreK program. Income eligibility is not a factor, and all families are encouraged to apply.

Transportation

Bus transportation will be provided for Pre-K students both to and from school during the school year, contingent upon budget approval.

Kindergarten

What an important year for our learners!  RCS provides a full day kindergarten experience and utilizes the New York State Learning Standards for Kindergarten which includes:

  • Communication, language and literacy

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Social Studies

  • The Arts

  • Technology

Teachers utilize various curricular resources to encourage:

  • Play-Based Learning

  • Creativity and Imagination

  • Curiosity and Initiative

  • Persistence and Independence

Please contact our district registrar at (518) 756-5200 x6014 to enroll your child.