Great Beginnings Preschool
Early Childhood Special Education

Great Beginnings Preschool - 2008-2009 School Year - Openings Available

District Education Center, 998 Platte Falls Road, Platte City, MO 64079

Phone: (816) 858-7103

Fax number: (816) 858-7109

2008-2009 enrollment continues, openings limited.

Great Beginnings Preschool, a new program offered by the Platte County R-3 School District, is indeed a world where everything is new for the 2008-2009 school year. A new building, located at 998 Platte Falls Road; a new director of Student Services, Dr. Donna Bisel Hughes; a new certified preschool teacher, Mrs. Kim McGinness; a new administrative assistant, Mrs. Vicki Diggs - not to mention the new preschool students, many of whom are stepping into a school setting for the very first time.

2008-2009 open enrollment was held on August 11-12, 2008 and initial registration exceeded expectations with 10 students enrolled in the morning session (7:30 am - 10:30 am) and 6 students enrolled in the afternoon session (11:15 am - 2:15 pm). As the total preschool capacity is 30, we still have openings available during both sessions. Students eligible for the program must have turned 4 years old no later than July 31, 2008, and can be as old as 5 but not yet eligible for kindergarten this school year. Attendance is open to Platte County R-3 School District residents, as well as surrounding school district residents for an increased annual tuition fee. Tuition for in-district students is $2,300 paid at $230 per month for 10 months; out-of-district student's tuition is $2,800 paid at $280 per month for 10 months. A one-time enrollment fee of $40 is due upon enrollment and $30 per semester supply fee is charged. One of the many perks of having the preschool as part of the PCR-3SD, Great Beginnings has access to occupational, speech, and physical therapists, as well as a registered nurse.

The classroom design and daily schedules, while carefully planned to include math and language arts learning, play time, music and a healthy snack, are flexible. Active, hands-on learning will be key in the preschool classroom, with children's work prominently on display signaling to students that the room belongs to them. In addition to the learning classroom, a playroom has been constructed to develop both gross and fine motor skills that enhance the ability to learn. Great Beginnings uses a "Project Construct" curriculum that has been developed from research demonstrating that learners construct knowledge through interactions with their social and physical environments. A "Project Construct" classroom values and respects students as learners and persons and:

• uses students' interests to motivate and engage them in learning,
• encourages children to collaborate and work together,
• allows children to take initiative, express opinions, and make choices,
• views children's errors as learning opportunities,
• assesses children's thinking, as well as their work, in order to teach more effectively.

"We heard the call and we answered," Dr. Hughes said. "As a distinguished school district, we are committed to exceeding expectations and providing quality educational opportunities to the children of our district. This preschool is a prime example of the school district really stepping up to the plate and filling a need the community has in the early childhood education arena."