Young 5's Program

The Lansing School District recognizes that all children develop and mature at different rates. We are committed to providing an environment  where our youngest learners can experience success.  Y5K provides additional time for students to mature physically, mentally and emotionally in a nurturing, caring,  and safe environment.  Y5K will allow students to thrive in a program that integrates teacher-directed and child-initiated exploration and discovery.

PDF DocumentYoung 5's Brochure


Y5K provides younger student with a strong foundation for school success offering:

  • Guided growth provided by educators experienced in early childhood development
  • Early exposure to Kindergarten curriculum
  • Full day programming
  • Familiarity with a school routine helps build your student’s confidence
  • A learning environment tailored to meet  developing academic and/social needs
  • An opportunity to start school with children who are the same age

Is Young 5 Kindergarten Right for My Child?

Y5K serves as a bridge to Kindergarten by providing students time and support to develop core academic and social skills under the care and guidance of professional educators.

Y5K is designed for children who:
  • Will turn 5 years old between September 2nd and December 1st
  • Will benefit from additional time to strengthen academic, social, emotional, and physical skills.
  • Will benefit from classroom instruction with frequent movement and learning through play.

 

At what age do children attend Kindergarten?

Children who turn five by September 1st are eligible. Children who turn five between September 2nd and December 1st will be placed in Young 5 Kindergarten.

How old are most children in Kindergarten?

Most kindergartners are five or six years old.

How is Y5K different from preschool?

The program is based on Michigan Kindergarten standards. It builds on the skills children learned in preschool to ensure they will be ready for the rigors of Kindergarten.  

How is Y5K different than Kindergarten?

The Y5K curriculum is based on Kindergarten standards modified to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of younger children. This environment includes more opportunities for social, emotional, and language development through dramatic play, small group instruction, and hands-on activities. Students experience some of the Kindergarten curriculum but not all.

How long is a Y5K school day?

Students attend a full day of school, five days a week that follows the regular school calendar.

Will my child have transportation?

Yes, transportation will be provided.

What grade comes after Y5K?

Y5K is the first year of a two-year Kindergarten experience. Children will go to Kindergarten after completing Young 5 Kindergarten.

Will my child have art, music and PE?

Y5K students will have all the experiences of the Kindergarten classroom.
 
Adapted from: External Link Reading Rockets Literacy Milestones: Age 5

Math
  • Count aloud to 30.
  • Begin to recognize sets through 20.
  • Identify and write numbers 0-20.
  • Compare sets of objects using terms greater, less, same, and equal
  • Identify and name 2D and 3D shapes.
  • Add and subtract small quantities with concrete objects.
  • Copy and create simple repeating patterns.
Social Skills
  • Work and play cooperatively with others
  • Participate in individual, small-group, and large group classroom activities
  • Ask for help when needed
  • Follow classroom rules and directions
  • Take responsibility for personal belongings
  • Attend to self-care (bathroom, hand-washing and dressing)
Literacy
  • Enjoy being read-to and retelling stories.
  • Use descriptive language to explain or ask ?’s.
  • Begin to understand rhyme and hear and manipulate sounds in words.
  • Identify upper and lowercase letters.
  • Develop oral language skills through dramatic play, read alouds, and shared writing.
  • Understand concepts of print (front of book, back of book, read left to right).
  • Learn how to write their name.
  • Begin to write stories using pictures, labels, and some readable words.
Motor Skills
  • Strengthen hand muscles through cutting, coloring, drawing, and painting
  • Develop hand-eye coordination
  • Show control in jumping, hopping, catching, running, and balancing
  • Grip writing utensils correctly
11,500 Enrollment by 2025
85% Graduation Rate by 2025
90% Attendance by 2025