SE Valley Times

The transition from preschool to kindergarten is an important moment in a child's educational journey, and Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) is focused on facilitating this shift. By introducing programs like "Pave the Path," which starts on March 31, GPS aims to ease this transition by offering preschoolers an experience similar to its LevelUp and Next Level programs for older students.

Dawn Koberstein, Director of Early Learning at GPS, emphasized the value of preschool, stating, “Preschool lays the essential groundwork for a child's educational journey. Preschool is far more than just daycare. We focus on developing crucial fine motor skills, sparking creativity, and nurturing a lifelong love of learning.”

The "Pave the Path" program involves over 800 preschool students participating in various activities aimed at introducing them to kindergarten environments. At Settler’s Point Elementary, these activities include scavenger hunts and joining kindergarten classes for recess and snacks. Similarly, at Neely Traditional Academy, the Kindergarten Prep students will tour classrooms, read stories, and complete related activities with current kindergarten students.

GPS offers varied preschool programs across its campuses, tailoring them to meet the needs of young learners while promoting both academic and social-emotional growth. Programs such as Building Blocks and Advantage focus on integrating children into the elementary school environment and developing critical thinking and social-emotional skills through guided play and thematic learning units.

In partnership with the Early Childhood Education Career and Technical Education program, Toybox provides a comprehensive curriculum covering language and literacy, STEM, social studies, art, music, and PE. This program, hosted by high school campuses, also allows preschoolers to interact with high school students pursuing early childhood education.

GPS maintains that "high-quality preschool education nurtures warm relationships among children, teachers, and parents," thereby equipping students with the skills necessary for success both in later schooling and in life. Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open, and more information is available at GilbertSchools.net/Our-Schools/Preschools.