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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. About 30 open slots remain in the city's Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program, which begins in September at the Rochambeau School at 228 Fisher Ave.
The free program is run by Family Services of Westchester. Parents can enroll their children, who must be 4 by Dec. 31, for mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m., or afternoons from 12:30 to 3 p.m. The program can accept up to 144 students and has a 6-to-1 ratio of students to teachers.
Four classrooms in the Rochambeau School are available for the program, and three are filled so far. The Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program is approved by the New York State Department of Education in collaboration with the White Plains City School District and licensed by the state Office of Children and Family Services.
The City of White Plains asked Family Services of Westchester's Head Start program to run the prekindergarten beginning in 2011. Since 2004, Family Services has run Head Start and Early Head Start programs in White Plains. They will enroll 194 preschoolers and 40 toddlers respectively this year.
Family Services of Westchester's mission is to strengthen and support families, children and individuals at every stage of the life cycle, according to its website. Founded it 1954, it offers more than 50 educational and social service programs countywide that reach 30,000 people a year.
Goals: Universal Pre-Kindergarten
- To provide a developmentally appropriate, child-centered, comprehensive, individualized and family-focused early childhood education program.
- To prepare children for kindergarten, excited about learning and ready to succeed.
- To adhere to the New York State Department of Educations Pre-Kindergarten Learning Standards.
- To have children enjoy learning through play, both individually and in small groups with peers.
- To enhance the talents, abilities and strengths of all children.
- To efficiently integrate with the White Plains City School District.
For more information about registration, call Makenzie Rodgers at 914-997-0147 or call the main office at 914-872-5294.
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