Introduction
Kiski Area School District welcomes the opportunity to spend time with parents and students before children enter our school for the first time. An assessment and activities program is offered each summer. At the time of kindergarten registration, all incoming kindergarten students will be scheduled for an individual screening session in June.  During the time children are being screened, their parents/guardians will have the opportunity to meet with a staff member to learn about our early intervention program.
 
In a relatively short period of time, we will examine many aspects of each child's growth and development. It is hoped that this information will assure a smooth start for each child in launching his/her school career!


Assessment
When children participate in the district's screening program, parents become informed about their child's development related to school readiness. Children move through the screening process utilizing a station approach. The screening takes about forty minutes and is carried out on a one-to-one basis. Trained staff members who understand the total development of young children administer the various screening tasks.

The screening tasks include:

- visual assessment: acuity, discrimination and memory

-auditory assessment: perception, discrimination and recall

- fine and gross motor assessment: copying, pencil control, hopping, skipping, bouncing/catching a ball     

-language assessment: basic vocabulary development, knowledge of personal data (name, age, etc.) 

-cognitive assessment: color names, number/letter recognition, spatial concepts (top/bottom, left/right), concepts of print

 Parents/guardians who did not attend the district's kindergarten registration, may call the Reading Department at 724-727-2296 to schedule a screening appointment.


B.E.S.T. Program
Every child is unique. We want your child's first day of school to be the first of many productive, rewarding and worthwhile school days. If a child needs bolstered in any of the areas assessed during kindergarten screening, a summer activities program is suggested. The program is aimed to improve the assessed tasks.

Children meet daily for a three-week period, usually during the month of July. The classes meet for two and half hours each day. Instruction is done by certified teachers in kindergarten and/or early primary grades. Children work individually or in small groups on the skills identified during the screening process.

Reports of progress are offered to parents and receiving kindergarten teachers. The progress reports denote areas worked upon during sessions, areas mastered during sessions and areas still needing attention.


Parent Awareness
Kindergarten means "child's garden".  Our purpose is to provide a rich, meaningful, balanced curriculum of skills and information that encourages children to want to learn more.  Parents play an important role in our efforts.  Communication with parents begins early in our district. Written and personal efforts are made to communicate parenting skills to parents of young children.

Six workshops for parents/guardians of incoming kindergarten students are scheduled during the month of July.  The workshops are geared to offering practical tips/activities for parents of young children through a variety of modes.

Parents are invited to celebrate the last day of the summer program with their youngsters. Parents join the teachers and enjoy a presentation by the summer school students. Handshakes, hugs and helps are offered!

As a finale to the summer program, a kindergarten orientation is held in all of the kindergarten rooms. Parents of incoming students are invited to bring their children to meet the teacher, visit the building and engage in a few brief introductory activities. 

Kiski Area School District supports these programs for students and parents as authorized through Title I.