Young Fives Program

(also known as Developmental Kindergarten, Begindergarten, and Transitional Kindergarten)

Mission
Byron Area Schools’ early childhood program is built on the understanding that parents, teachers, and administrators work together as a team that believes all children can learn. This team collaborates to provide a safe, nurturing learning environment that supports each child’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of our students, we offer meaningful and challenging experiences that build on children’s prior knowledge. Because children develop and mature at different rates, Young Fives (also known as Developmental Kindergarten, Begindergarten, or Transitional Kindergarten) provides those who need additional time to grow physically and emotionally the opportunity to do so in a safe and secure setting. Young Fives is considered a kindergarten program, not preschool. Our integrated approach to teacher-directed and child-initiated learning gives children many opportunities to explore materials, discover ideas, interact with others, and develop at their own pace. The program encourages a positive self-image and supports each child’s growth toward their individual potential. Young Fives offers learning experiences similar to those in kindergarten, using a modified curriculum taught at a pace and level based on individual readiness. We strive to help children become risk takers, problem solvers, and decision makers. Our ultimate goal is for children to understand the world around them and grow into committed, caring, responsible, lifelong learners. Young Fives is a child-centered program that gives students the gift of time to be better prepared for future educational success.

Activities
Young Fives provides a modified kindergarten curriculum with activities designed to support early learning and development. Emphasis is placed on the following areas: language and literacy, math, science, social studies, technology and computers, social experiences, physical skills, visual arts, and dramatic play.  Because children grow and mature at different rates, grade placement after completing Young Fives may vary for each student. Most students who successfully complete Young Fives continue on to kindergarten, though first grade may be an option the following year. This decision is made collaboratively by the parent, teacher, and building principal.

Staff
The Young Fives program is taught by a certified teacher who is a reading specialist and holds a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy, along with an early childhood endorsement.

Additional Questions

If you have any additional questions or would like more information, please contact Mrs. Niki Smith, Young Fives/Kindergarten teacher, at smithn@byron.k12.mi.us, or Mrs. Stacey Johnson, Building Principal, at johnson@byron.k12.mi.us.