Junior Kindergarten

 

Junior Kindergarten

For children who will turn five on or before December 2, 2011 and families exploring options for kindergarten, Jr. Kindergarten provides a state-funded, two-year kindergarten experience for children.

Students who turn five after December 2, 2011 but before March 1, 2012 will be considered for enrollment as they turn five on a space available basis.

The BUSD Jr. Kindergarten program will provide a supportive environment for your child and will focus on social and emotional development, physical and motor development, as well as academic skills needed to prepare your child for kindergarten.

The Jr. Kindergarten program was first launched in the Buckeye Union School District in August, 2010.  For 2011-12, the district will offer two classes at William Brooks Elementary School and one class at Blue Oak Elementary.  These classes will serve students from throughout the district. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Junior Kindergarten in BUSD

 

  • What is Junior Kindergarten?

Jr. K is the first year of a two-year, state-funded kindergarten experience for students. Research suggests that children greatly benefit from programs that address school readiness. Jr. K will provide this opportunity for students.

  • Where will Junior Kindergarten be offered in the Buckeye District?

Programs will be offered based on parent interest and registration numbers at both William Brooks Elementary and Blue Oak Elementary campuses --- students from any elementary attendance area in BUSD are eligible for either site (out of district students will need an approved interdistrict transfer to enroll). It is expected that, upon completion of Jr. K, students will enroll in Kindergarten at their home school.

  • What are the eligibility requirements to enroll?

To enroll, students must turn five years old on or before December 2, 2011. Students who turn five after December 2, 2011 but prior to March 1, 2012 will be enrolled as they turn five years old if space is available. Please note that the priority of enrollment will change for the 2012-13 school year.  Click here  for more information.

  • What will the schedule be like for the children?

For the 2011-12 school year,  at William Brooks Elementary, one class will be offered from 8:09 am - 11:39 am, and one class will be offered from 11:42 am - 3:12 pm.  At Blue Oak Elementary, one class will be offered from 11:11 am - 2:41 pm.  Please note that BUSD operates an early release program on Wednesdays for all students.  On Wednesdays, these times will vary.  Extended day childcare is available at both sites through the El Dorado County Office of Education Extended Day Services: 530-295-2298.

  • How do I know if my child should be enrolled in Junior Kindergarten instead of a regular one-year kindergarten program?

While there is no perfect answer to this question, there is some information that might help you in making this decision. Assessment information will be collected by kindergarten staff during the months of May and June. Each of our elementary schools will be holding a Kindergarten Round Up or a day for screening when informal assessments will occur for many of our incoming students. Teachers will be assessing social/emotional skills as well as other kindergarten-readiness areas so that you can be better informed in making the decision to enroll your child in Junior Kindergarten.

  • Will there be additional childcare options for my child at the school site to accommodate parent schedules?

The El Dorado County Office of Education will be offering Extended Day services. Their office can be reached by calling:     530-295-2298

  • How do I enroll my child in Jr. Kindergarten?

You can pick up a registration packet for Junior Kindergarten at any of our elementary schools or at the district office. You will need proof of residency in the Buckeye Union School District and a copy of your child’s birth certificate to obtain a registration packet (a utility bill, rental agreement, etc. will serve as proof of residency). If you have a signed interdistrict agreement, you can also obtain a registration packet.

  • Who do I contact for more information?

Gabrielle Marchini, BUSD Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, 530-677-2261 or 916-985-2183, or gmarchini@buckeyeusd.org