An Ocean City Primary School preschool student enjoys a sandbox activity. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City school district)
The Ocean City Primary School will welcome families to a preschool open house at 3:15 p.m. on Monday, April 27, at 550 West Ave.
Visitors will meet teachers, tour classrooms and learn more about the activities offered through the preschool program, according to a school district news release.
Children are encouraged to attend with their families so they can meet their potential classmates and begin to build connections with the OCPS preschool team.
“During the open house, families will gain insight into the engaging, play-based learning experiences offered in the preschool program, as well as the wide range of opportunities available to support both children and their families,” said Amanda Kelchner, preschool instructional coach and community parent involvement specialist at OCPS.
Staff members will be available to answer questions and provide information about the curriculum, students’ daily routines and how families can enroll.
The full-day preschool program uses The Creative Curriculum, one of the research-based structures recommended by the New Jersey Department of Education.
The Creative Curriculum is a play-based, whole-child approach that emphasizes hands-on, meaningful learning experiences. All components of the curriculum are designed to support diverse learners, including English and dual-language learners, by promoting language development, communication and inclusive learning experiences, Kelchner said.
Students also participate in “in-depth studies,” which are project-based investigations explored over a few weeks.
“Preschool helps foster a love for learning by making experiences engaging, hands-on, and meaningful for each child. We bring learning to life here at OCPS by connecting classroom experiences to the real world,” Kelchner said.
Children participate in field trips to community locations such as Glazed Over Studios, Lake Memorial Park and Storybook Land, as well as seasonal experiences like visiting a pumpkin patch.
“These opportunities help children make meaningful connections between what they learn in school and the world around them,” Kelchner noted.
Each OCPS preschool class has a maximum of 15 students, per state guidelines, to ensure children receive the one-on-one attention that supports social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.
“The preschool program sparks enthusiasm for learning at an early age in a vibrant setting that’s ideal for young children,” said Dr. Christian Angelillo, superintendent of schools. "Our skilled and caring teachers ensure preschool is a positive and valuable experience. In the Ocean City School District, preschool is a student’s first step on a long and successful educational journey.”
To RSVP for the Preschool Open House, please fill out this form. To learn more about Ocean City School District, visit www.ocsdnj.org.
