Junior Kindergarten

A structured, predictable day helps young learners feel safe, confident and ready to engage. Here is a look at a typical day in Junior Kindergarten at Waterford School District.

• Arrival and Breakfast (20 minutes) | Students ease into the school day with breakfast. Students who are not eating have the opportunity to explore table time activities.
• Greeting Time (15-25 minutes) | A warm transition from home to school. Students connect with peers and teachers, review the morning message, go over the daily schedule and calendar, celebrate the child of the day, and reflect on the previous day as needed.
• Planning, Choice Time and Cleanup (30 minutes) | Students carry out their plans and make choices about how and where to use materials. Teachers encourage problem solving with materials and during moments of social conflict.
• Outside Time (20 minutes) | Students engage in active, energetic outdoor play while teachers participate in and support their play experiences.
• Large Group Time (20 minutes) | Students and teachers gather to explore emotions, conduct science experiments, build literacy and math skills, or move to music. This time also develops important social skills including turn taking, listening and group participation.
• Small Group Time (20-40 minutes) | Teachers work with small groups on activities designed to support cognitive growth. Students explore, play and work with materials while talking through what they are doing. Students rotate through four small group activities each week, one per day, covering math and science, letters and sounds, fine motor and writing, and art. On the fifth day, students participate in Handwriting Without Tears centers. If students need additional time, activities may continue during choice time.
• Book Look (15 minutes) | Students explore books independently. In the second semester, the reading workshop model is introduced.
• Recall Time (10 minutes) | Students reflect on and share what they did during the morning. Teachers may also use this time for class discussions about challenges or celebrations.
• Lunch and Recess (45 minutes)
• ABC Time (10 minutes) | Students use technology to practice letters and sounds or participate in whole group literacy activities.
• Quiet and Resting Time (35 minutes) | A calm period for sleeping or quiet play on mats.
• Movement and Yoga (10 minutes) | A peaceful transition back into afternoon activities through gentle movement.
• Read Aloud (10 minutes)
• Specials (40 minutes) | Students rotate through art, physical education, music, library and computers.
• Snack (20 minutes)
• Table Time (30 minutes) | Students complete teacher-directed activities and learning games. In the second semester, this may expand to include interactive writing, writing workshop, shared reading and letter sound activities.
• Outside Time (15 minutes)
• Goodbye Gathering and Dismissal (15 minutes) | Students close out the day together before heading home.

Is Junior Kindergarten Right for Your Child?

Every child grows and develops at their own pace, and that is something to celebrate. Waterford School District's Junior Kindergarten program is designed for students who would benefit from a little more time to mature and develop socially before entering the more structured Kindergarten environment. If your child has a June, July or August birthday, Junior Kindergarten may be the perfect fit for your family.

A Strong Foundation for Kindergarten Success

Junior Kindergarten at Waterford School District is taught by specialized teachers who understand the unique developmental needs of young learners. Through a nurturing and engaging classroom experience, students build the literacy, math and science skills they will need to thrive in Kindergarten the following year. Students also develop essential social skills, including how to navigate the school environment, build relationships and work cooperatively with others.

Junior Kindergarten students participate in music, physical education, art and the media center, in addition to their core subjects, giving them a well-rounded introduction to elementary school life.

Who Is Eligible?

The State of Michigan has set the Kindergarten entrance date at September 1. If your child turns five between September 2 and December 1, they are welcome to begin their elementary journey through Waterford School District's Junior Kindergarten program.

How to Apply

Applications for Junior Kindergarten are available through your child's school or our Central Enrollment office. Families must submit an application to be considered for the program before enrolling.

Apply for Junior Kindergarten

Required Documentation

Proof of Parentage Parents enrolling the student must be listed on both the birth certificate and residency documentation.

• Original birth certificate with official translation, if not in English
• Photo identification for the enrolling parent, who must be listed on the birth certificate
• Custody or divorce documents, if applicable
• Legal guardianship or foster care placement documents, if applicable

Residency Requirements Select the option that applies to your living situation:

If you own a home:

• Mortgage or property tax statement, two current and different utility bills and your photo identification

If you lease a home:

• Lease with the enrolling parent listed as an occupant, two current and different utility bills and your photo identification

If you are living with a Waterford School District resident:

• Notarized Central Enrollment Affidavit for housing completed by both the homeowner and the parent staying at the residence (for homestead only)
• Homeowner's mortgage or property tax statement
• Two current and different utility bills
• Homeowner's photo identification
• Two pieces of mail addressed to you at that location

If you are staying with someone who is renting an apartment:

• Enrolling parent must be added to the lease as an occupant
• Two current and different utility bills
• Renter's photo identification
• Two pieces of mail addressed to you at that location

Ready to join the Waterford School District family? Visit our Central Enrollment portal to begin the enrollment process. A member of our team will follow up with you once your submission has been received.

Begin the Enrollment Process Today