Kindergarten at the ECEC
We are so excited to welcome your student to the ECEC as they begin their school journey in Dedham, MA!
The ECEC is a full-day, tuition free Kindergarten program. All Dedham Kindergarten students learn together in our state-of-the art educational building which opened in 2019.
At The ECEC We Celebrate:
Active, Play-Based Learning
Social Skills & Kindness
Safety, Respect & Responsibility
Collaboration & Inclusion
All Kindergarten Classes are Full Day (8:50am - 3:00pm)
KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM
We are committed to educating the social, emotional, and physical needs of our students, as well as developing the skills they will need as they move towards the elementary grade levels. Our curriculum models meet MA state standards and are designed to develop a foundation of knowledge and skills that align with the academic curriculums taught in our Elementary programs. We balance academic learning with creative, active, play-based models. Our approach to learning ensures that our youngest students are able to explore, create and succeed in a developmentally appropriate way.
KINDERGARTEN DAY AT A GLANCE
There is a lot of fun, movement and learning happening every day at the ECEC. A typical Kindergarten class day may include:
- Morning Meeting
- Literacy Lesson
- Math Lesson
- Science/Social Studies Lesson
- Snack
- Lunch/Recess
- Choice/Play Time
- Specialists
- Social Skills Lesson
What Else Do Students Do?
5 SPECIALIST CLASSES EACH WEEK:
Art, Music, Library/Discovery, PE, Health/Wellness
- 30 minute lunch
- 30 minute recess
SPECIAL SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Monthly Meetings
Choose to be Nice
Spread the Word Inclusion Week
PTO Enrichment Assemblies
Spirit Weeks
Helpful Things to Know:
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- Backpack
- Classroom folder *provided
- Refillable water bottle
- Snack/ lunch if not interested in school meals
- Change of clothes in case of an accident
We play outside, so please make sure to dress students for the weather. Coats, mittens, hats, boots and snow gear as the season and weather changes!
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Regular and consistent school and class attendance is an essential component of a successful learning experience for all children.
Whenever a student will be absent from school, the parents must inform the administration prior to 8:00 a.m. by calling the designated School Attendance Line ECEC: 781-310-8799
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Breakfast and lunch is available for all students
Nut-safe environment for all--no nut products
No Sharing snacks or food - Birthdays are “food-free”.
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Each season (Fall, Winter, Spring) ECEC offers afterschool enrichment programming - K.A.S.E . The program runs after school from 3:00-4:00 p.m. for six weeks with specialty programs like arts & crafts, games or book clubs taught by our ECEC faculty.
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BY BUS:
Kindergarten students can ride a bus to and from the ECEC during regular school hours at NO cost. Students can only ride their assigned bus and have one bus stop. A bus application is available during the registration process or by contacting our Main Office.
BY CAR:
We have a rolling drop-off procedure. Please DO NOT park and walk students to the building. At dismissal, Staff members will dismiss students one at a time to parents outside Door #2.
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Before and after school care is available to ECEC Kindergarten students through our District’s LEAP program. Care is available for Kindergarten students (and PreK siblings aged 4 years old) at the ECEC.
Registration is required and is completed on a First Come, First Served basis. Registration for Before & After care is opened in the Spring for the next school year. Families are notified of placement in May.
As Kindergarten students move to Elementary schools, families with students currently registered for before or after school care will have a spot available for next school year! However, families MUST register to confirm their spot if you choose to continue with care before and/or after school for the next school year.
Learn More About LEAP Here
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For all questions or concerns, we recommend first reaching out to your student's teacher. If the issue is not resolved or you have additional concerns, please next reach out to the school principal.