New York

Getting public and private schools together for anything would be a miracle. I am always frustrated when principal turns me down when I suggest a child needs a certain thing or way of learning at least until the child begins to acclimate to the new school. "We'll take care of it," says the principal, and nine times out of ten, the child is forced into a tail spin because public education knows SO much more than private education. Who suffers? Me, them? No, the child, and it's a scandal.

Preschool Jump-Start Program
MARY ELLEN PEREIRA
Newsday
October 23, 2005

Not having a pre-K program to call its own, the Island Park school district launched a Kindergarten Readiness Program to help local preschools prepare children for the higher standards of kindergarten.

Many children who complete preschool programs do not have readiness skills required by the New York State Department of Education. "We have experienced significant change during the past few years," said Rosmarie Bovino, deputy superintendent of schools. "What used to be taught in first grade is now being taught in pre-K. In the past, pre-K was viewed as a time for learning social skills, with playtime being the primary activity. That is no longer true."

The district has met with local preschool teachers to discuss state standards, particularly math and reading, and provided copies of the recently released New York State math and English language arts curriculum materials.

"We outlined the higher standards set by the state," said Edward Price, superintendent of schools. "Many of the attendees were unaware that these new requirements are in effect, including the standardized testing that begins in third grade.

"Following kindergarten screening in March, results will be forwarded to the preschools for their use to assist the children for the rest of the school year. "One of the benefits of this effort is the creation of dialogue between the private and public schools," Price added. "There is strong interest on both sides to spend more time together to better coordinate our programs."