HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM
The Kindergarten Readiness Program (then called the International Children’s Initiative), a pre-school program for children age 3-5, began in 2007 at the Greystone branch. The program was started to help prepare pre-school age children for kindergarten by targeting English language acquisition and skills needed in the classroom setting. ICI was birthed through the partnership with the Toyota Literacy Grant. The goal of the partnership was to offer parents a class to enhance their learning of the English language while their children were participating in a class that focused on acquisition of English and kindergarten skills. Originally, the classes met three times a week from 8:15-12:45 at Greystone, and later Alabaster was added. However, the program has seen a lot of growth and success since that time.
Due to this, for the 2011-2012 school year, Kindergarten Readiness will operate at Greystone, Alabaster, Pelham, and Roebuck. The classes now meet Monday through Friday from 8-12. This change has already benefited the students, as confirmed by the ICI pre-school teachers. The students seem to retain information better, get into the classroom routine quicker, and the transition from weekend to school week is smoother. Future growth will be seen as plans are being made to include the Y’s newest branch, Hoover, in the ICI Family.
LOCATIONS FOR 2011-2012
Alabaster 663-6504
Greystone 981-0144
Pelham 664-9622
Roebuck (NE) 833-7616
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about ICI please contact Miki Wilson, ICI Coordinator at 205-663-6504.