Nationally accredited (National Association for the Education of Young People) state licensed preschool program designed for children ages 3 to 5 ½ years of age. Degreed teachers work with each child and caregivers to assess and monitor growth and development. The preschool program uses four nationally recognized and standardized curricula as well as NAEYC and Federal Head Start guidelines to stimulate growth and development in the cognitive, emotional, social, adaptive and physical domains. Parent (caregiver) programs assist parents in their role as their child's first teacher and include home visitations, conferences and parent groups. The extended day program provides additional educational opportunities for 12 children with working parents. This program is provided to children already enrolled in the preschool program. Summer camp is offered to children and provides the learning advantages incorporated in the school year preschool program coupled with field trips, sports and swimming.
William Byrd Community House's ECE program's ultimate and overarching goal is to prepare a total of twenty at-risk, low-income children and their families for kindergarten in a nurturing and safe environment. The success of this goal will be measured based on a number of indicators scored by standardized tests and teacher observations. These indicators focus on the children's mastery of cognitive, physical, social-emotional, language, and behavioral skills at several critical points during the school year.
Within the WBCH preschool program, children work in small groups with low student-teacher ratios of 4:1 year-round. Both the child and their family are given opportunities to maximize growth and development while enrolled in the program. Offerings for children include experiential activities in the domains of fine and gross motor, cognitive, social-emotional, and the self-help skills areas. Offerings for families include participation on the policy and/or program committee, use of the library and computer center, GED courses and access to family social events.
Early Childhood Education program families have access to social workers to access WBCH's comprehensive family services system including Job Search (VEC satellite), GED classes, emergency financial assistance, emergency food, used clothes giveaway, family, child and individual counseling, and case management.
ECE parents receive quarterly home visits with teachers, three parent-teacher conferences, weekly progress notes, weekly parent newsletters, parenting groups, parent education opportunities, and family social activities. Families can access free or affordable child care while they work, train, or seek employment. WBCH offers high quality child care in a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the social and adaptive readiness necessary for kindergarten entrance.
