Early Bird Prekindergarten Program

The program was created to prevent failures in retention, low grades, and social problems. To provide positive, nurturing experiences essential to helping children of three to five years of age that are at risk to develop physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally. As future academic success in school is strongly influenced by the character of early experiences, children identified as being at-risk of academic failure can realize greater opportunities for success through their early identification and participation in the prekindergarten program. "The Early Bird Program will collaborate, cooperate, and communicate with parents, community resources, and staff members to create a safe and caring environment in which all students learn." Program hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Early Bird serves Sterling Schools CUSD #5. Classes meet five days a week for two hours a day, either in the AM or PM. Teachers are state-certified with a four-year degree in Early Childhood Education. Teachers visit the child's home to allow the child to see the teacher in the the home environment and be more comfortable. Children enjoy the learning environment and have fun at field trips, with crafts, and more. This program is for children who, because of their home and community environment are subject to such language, cultural, economic and the sort of disadvantages, have been determined to be at-risk of academic failure as a result of screening procedures. Children are mostly 3 to 5 years old, and not eligible for kindergarten. There is no cost; however, parents are asked to be actively involved and to provide some supplies.