[EdTalks] Greenville County's 4K Program: What Parents Should Know

Is your child ready for kindergarten? In this episode, we dive deep into the Greenville County Schools 4K program to uncover what kindergarten readiness truly looks like. We explore the essential social and emotional skills that set children up for long-term success and provide a clear roadmap for parents navigating early childhood education. If you have a preschooler in Greenville, SC, this is a must-watch guide to understanding the free resources available and how to prepare your child for their first day in the classroom.

Join host Derek Lewis, Executive Director of Greenville First Steps, as he speaks with April Roberts, a veteran educator and Principal of three Greenville County Schools Child Development Centers. April provides an insider's look at the district's extensive early education offerings, which serve over 1,800 four-year-olds annually. She explains the structure of the Greenville County Schools 4K program, detailing the differences between standalone Child Development Centers and integrated elementary school classrooms. A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to redefining kindergarten readiness skills, moving the focus from pure academics to the crucial development of a child's confidence, ability to follow directions, and self-advocacy. April stresses the importance of social emotional development in preschoolers, explaining that learning to navigate a classroom, share, and communicate needs is often more critical than knowing the alphabet upon entry.

This episode is also packed with actionable advice that highlights the importance of parent involvement in early education. April shares practical tips for parents, such as reading with your child nightly, having device-free conversations at dinner, and using playtime to understand your child's world. She emphasizes that building a strong partnership with your child's teacher through open communication is key to a successful year. For families interested in enrolling, the discussion provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to apply for 4K in Greenville County, including the application timeline (starting in December for the following school year), eligibility requirements, and where to find the application on the school district's website. Learn more about this invaluable, free program - which also includes free breakfast and lunch for students - and how it provides a powerful foundation for Greenville's youngest learners.

About Our Guest:
April Roberts is the Principal of three Greenville County Schools Child Development Centers. With extensive experience in early childhood education, she offers a clear and compassionate perspective on what truly prepares young children for their educational journey. In this conversation, she breaks down the philosophy behind the GCS 4K program, focusing on building a love for learning and developing confident, socially-adept students.

Timestamps / Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction to Early Childhood Education in Greenville County
(2:00) An Overview of the Greenville County Schools 4K Program
(3:05) 3K and Preschool Special Education Services
(4:27) Defining Kindergarten Readiness: More Than Just Academics
(5:32) The Critical Role of Social and Emotional Skills
(7:10) A Parent's Guide to Preparing Your Child for School
(8:33) The Power of Parent-Teacher Communication
(10:10) How to Apply for the Free GCS 4K Program
(11:14) The Value of Free 4K for Families

What are your biggest questions or concerns about kindergarten readiness? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, please give this video a "like" and subscribe for more conversations about education in our community.

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