Developmental Kindergarten
Developmental Kindergarten is the first year of a two-year program and serves as a bridge between preschool and traditional kindergarten, providing an extra year of foundational skill development for students not quite ready for the full academic demands of a traditional kindergarten classroom. It's a play-based, full-day program that focuses on social-emotional and academic readiness for kindergarten.
The Michigan Department of Education considers both traditional kindergarten and Developmental Kindergarten the same. At MPS, our DK program provides an extra year to gain independence, problem-solving skills, fine/gross motor development, and social skills to prepare children for school success.
This program includes the International Baccalaureate Play-Based Inquiry framework. Classroom instruction is designed to provide children with an opportunity to learn in an interactive environment that supports their development.
How Does It Work?
- Incoming students must turn five years of age between September 1st and December 1st.
- The program runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- On-site before- and after-care is available via the Greater Midland Community Center. Learn more about these programs here.
Frequently Asked DK Questions
- Children might not be ready for the rigor of Kindergarten for cognitive or social reasons.
- Children who turn 5 years old between September 2 and December 1 or where space allows other young students.
- Will benefit from classroom instruction with frequent movement, learning through play, and a focus on social development.
- Classroom instruction is designed to provide children, an opportunity to learn in an interactive environment that supports their development
- Early exposure to kindergarten curriculum.
- Familiarity with school routine to help build confidence.
- A learning environment tailored to meet developing academic and/or social needs.
- An opportunity to start school with same-age children.
- Provides an extra year to gain independence, problem-solving skills, fine/gross motor development, and social skills to prepare children for Kindergarten.
- Developmental Kindergarten is the first of a 2 year Kindergarten Program.
- Developmental Kindergarten serves as a bridge to Kindergarten by providing students time and support to develop core academic and social skills.
- Developmental Kindergarten is based on Michigan Department of Education Kindergarten standards. To ensure they will be able to complete Kindergarten with confidence.
- Michigan Department of Education considers both traditional Kindergarten and Developmental Kindergarten the same.
Ready to Start? Enroll Now!
Contact us to learn more:
Carpenter Pre-Primary Center
1407 West Carpenter Street, Midland, MI 48640
989-923-6411