Parents of kindergarteners will have a chance to learn how to prepare their children for elementary school in “Getting Ready for School,” a program being offered for the first time by the Town of Danville, starting July 26.
The three-part class will cover the child development of 4- and 5-year olds; strategies to help children become ready for kindergarten; and how to communicate with schools effectively.
“We go above and beyond,” said Erin Hill-Freschi, the class instructor. “Everything from preparing them cognitively to the emotional transition for both the child and the parent.”
While part of the class will consist of lectures, the course will also include group activities and discussions in small and large groups.
“A lot of child development research is hard to digest if you get it on your own,” said Lauren Hosterman, youth services coordinator for Danville. “Having a clear understanding of that can be very helpful.”
The course will also outline a clear set of expectations that the San Ramon Valley Unified School District has for incoming kindergarteners. Not only will this allow parents to make a decision on whether or not their children are ready to attend school, but it will also alleviate some of their stress.
“It’s important for parents to know that kindergarten has changed, and that there are different expectations,” said Hill-Freschi. “When parents can hear what the kindergarten teachers are looking for, they are so much more relaxed.”
Hill-Freschi said she expects about 20 people to sign up for this summer’s session. Smaller classes give her more time to closely interact with each of the parents.
“It’s very interactive, where I meet the needs of the individual parents,” she said. “If they have specific questions, I make sure we answer them if they’re not covered in the curriculum.”
“It is tailored to the parent’s expectations for preparing their child,” added Hosterman.
The class meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays, July 26-Aug. 9 at the Danville Veterans Hall, 400 Hartz Ave. For Danville residents, the cost of the class is $45 with $15 for each additional parent. For non-residents, the cost is $54 with $18 for each additional parent.
To register for the class, visit www.ci.danville.ca.us or call 314-3400. For more information about the program, contact Lauren Hosterman at 314-3477.
