Developmental Kindergarten at SIJCC ECE
In response to the challenging experiences some children and families have encountered in other TK programs, we chose to expand our Developmental Kindergarten offering for 4-year-olds. While this program has traditionally been small, we are committed to creating additional spaces so that we can continue to serve our current families and also meet the broader community’s need for adaptive, nurturing, and enriching pre-academic experiences. By maintaining our developmental approach while introducing carefully scaffolded skill-building, we aim to provide a supportive environment where young learners can flourish both socially and academically.
Our students are ready for Kindergarten once they complete this experience with us.
Our Developmental Kindergarten program (our “TK” alternative) offers a unique bridge between preschool and elementary school, designed for children who are ready for new challenges but still benefit from a deeply developmental approach. Grounded in a constructivist pedagogy, the program honors children’s natural curiosity and builds on their existing strengths, helping them move toward the academic and social skills necessary for kindergarten entry.
Playful Transitions
At the start of the year, the classroom feels much like preschool: rich with opportunities for play, free expression, and open-ended exploration. As the year goes on, teachers introduce a new skill focus each month, creating a gentle and structured progression that supports children’s growth in literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning, and problem-solving. These skills are always embedded in meaningful, hands-on experiences that invite children to construct knowledge actively rather than passively.
Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of the program. Children are encouraged to explore their interests in pairs and small groups, learning not only to tolerate but also to value and encourage the perspectives of their peers. Through these experiences, they develop the confidence to express their own ideas and the resilience to work through challenges together.
Independence & Responsibility
Equally important is our emphasis on independence and responsibility. Children are supported in taking ownership of their learning, materials, and relationships. This sense of responsibility grows naturally out of daily routines, classroom projects, and guided provocations from teachers.
While targeted skill-building is an integral part of the program, we remain committed to a developmental approach. Ample time is preserved for free expression, play, and creative exploration alongside intentional projects and teacher-guided learning opportunities. This balance ensures that children are not only prepared for kindergarten academically, but also nurtured socially, emotionally, and creatively. As they exit our program, they are ready to thrive as independent learners and collaborative community members.