Our Kindergarten Bridge program is unique to Kelowna being the only one of its kind. It presents kindergarten concepts in a ]\
pre-school environment.

Kindergarten concepts mean moving beyond introducing basic letter recognition and letter sounds to addressing more advanced phonics skills in language arts. Or, moving from telling the children a story where they count flannel board pieces to having them do their own number operations with manipulatives in math.
The pre-school environment means two Early Childhood Educators for fifteen children, and a mix of 80% hands on guided discovery and 20% instruction. The children are introduced to concepts and then presented with experiences where they can practice and be successful to build their confidence.

Main Points of the Curriculum

Math Kindergarten Curriculum
Language Arts Kindergarten Curriculum
Science Kindergarten Curriculum
Life Skills/Socials extend Pre-school concepts and program
Music extend Pre-school concepts and program
Arts extend Pre-school concepts and program

~The Bridge is not a substitute for Kindergarten
~It is similar to Kindergarten in that we start in the same place and follow some of the Kindergarten curriculum
~It is different from Kindergarten in the pace at which we move through the curriculum. We take more time for
rehearsal of skills and concepts.
~If any child has gaps in their knowledge or skills, we work on closing the gaps before they become a major problem

Comparison to Four-Year-Old Program

~more structure with the addition of time at the learning
centers
~curriculum subjects are more defined, rather than being mixed together in circle and playtime. The activities are still set up to promote social, emotional, physical growth as well as cognitive development.
~two Early Childhood Educators working with the children most often, instead of having one teacher doing prep or cleanup after each activity - since the children are more
independent.
~certain activities will be set up to meet the learning needs of specific children, rather than encouraging specific children to take part in more opportunities at playtime.