Junior Kindergarten
Junior Kindergarten Program is designed for children who are ready for a more advanced learning experience but do not meet Maryland's kindergarten age requirement for the upcoming school year.
At Grace Early Learning Center, we believe every child deserves to begin kindergarten with confidence. Our Junior Kindergarten program provides an additional year of purposeful learning that helps children strengthen their academic, social, emotional, and developmental skills before entering elementary school.
Using the Brightwheel Curriculum, children participate in engaging, hands-on learning experiences that align with the Maryland Early Learning Standards and prepare them for kindergarten success. Our program combines structured instruction with play-based learning to foster curiosity, independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
By the end of the school year, children will have built the confidence, knowledge, and classroom skills needed to make a smooth transition into kindergarten.
Curriculum
Grace Early Learning Center proudly uses the Brightwheel Curriculum, a comprehensive, research-based curriculum designed to support the whole child while preparing them for kindergarten.
Learning experiences are thoughtfully planned to develop skills across all areas of growth and learning, including:
Literacy & Language Development
Children build strong foundations in reading and writing through letter recognition, phonological awareness, beginning reading skills, vocabulary development, storytelling, listening comprehension, handwriting, and early writing activities.
Mathematics
Students explore number recognition, counting, patterns, shapes, sorting, measurement, graphing, problem-solving, and early addition and subtraction concepts through hands-on learning centers and small-group instruction.
Science & STEM
Children discover the world around them through nature exploration, science investigations, engineering challenges, experiments, and STEM activities that encourage curiosity, observation, and critical thinking.
Social Studies
Students learn about families, community helpers, citizenship, geography, cultures, traditions, holidays, and the world around them while developing an appreciation for diversity and community.
Creative Arts
Music, movement, art, dramatic play, sensory experiences, and creative expression are incorporated daily to encourage imagination, confidence, and fine motor development.
Social & Emotional Learning
Children develop self-confidence, independence, emotional regulation, cooperation, communication, responsibility, leadership, and friendship skills that prepare them for success both inside and outside the classroom.
Schedule
10:00–10:20 AM – Morning Meeting, Calendar & Morning Message
10:20–10:50 AM – Literacy & Reading Instruction
10:50–11:00 AM – Music & Movement Brain Break
11:00–11:30 AM – Math Learning Centers & Small Group Instruction
11:30 AM–12:00 PM – Outdoor Exploration
12:00–12:30 PM – Lunch
12:30–12:55 PM – Read Aloud & Language Development
12:55–1:20 PM – Handwriting & Writing Workshop
1:20–1:45 PM – STEM, Science & Discovery
1:45–2:00 PM – Closing Circle, Review of the Day & Dismissal
Meet Our Teachers
Our Junior Kindergarten classroom is led by experienced educators who are passionate about helping children build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
Ms. Abbey – Lead Teacher
Ms. Alyssa – Associate Teacher
What to Bring
Please send your child each day with:
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Backpack
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Refillable water bottle
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Complete change of clothes
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One pair of closed-toe shoes
Why Choose Grace Early Learning Center?
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Brightwheel Curriculum aligned with Maryland Early Learning Standards
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Experienced and nurturing teachers
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Small class sizes with individualized instruction
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Hands-on, play-based learning with academic purpose
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Daily literacy, math, STEM, and enrichment activities
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Kindergarten readiness assessments and progress monitoring
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Safe, welcoming learning environment
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Strong family communication through Brightwheel
Enroll Now
Ready to give your child the best possible start before kindergarten?
Our Junior Kindergarten Program provides the perfect balance of academic preparation, hands-on exploration, and social-emotional growth to help children thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
Contact Grace Early Learning Center today to schedule a tour or learn more about enrollment.
We look forward to partnering with your family!