Young Fives Kindergarten is an educational program designed for children who turn five years old between July 1 and December 1. It bridges the gap between preschool and Kindergarten, providing an additional year of preparation for children who may benefit from more time before entering Kindergarten.

The primary purpose of Young Fives Kindergarten is to provide children with an additional year of social, emotional, and academic preparation before entering traditional Kindergarten. It offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that focuses on building essential skills such as language, literacy, numeracy, fine and gross motor skills, and social interaction.

Young Fives Kindergarten has a more play-based curriculum, two staff members in each classroom, and a greater emphasis on social/emotional development compared to traditional Kindergarten. The pace of learning is age appropriate, allowing children time to master foundational skills before moving on to more advanced concepts.

Eligibility is for students who will turn five years of age between July 1 - December 1, 2024. If your child will not turn five until December 2 or after, they are not eligible for this program. Please see our preschool offerings for more information.

A few impactful benefits are:

• Builds a strong foundation for future school success by focusing on essential skills and concepts at an age-appropriate pace.
• Supports social and emotional development through play-based learning and interaction with peers.
• Significantly reduces the likelihood of children being held back or needing additional support in later grades.
• Provides an additional year of preparation for children who would benefit from this developmentally appropriate option.

Young Fives Kindergarten prepares children for traditional kindergarten by focusing on key areas of development, including:

• Language and literacy skills: Recognizing letters, letter sounds, and basic sight words.
• Numeracy skills: Counting, number recognition, basic addition and subtraction concepts.
• Social skills: Sharing, taking turns, following directions, learning school routines, and resolving conflicts.
• Emotional skills: Expressing feelings, managing emotions, and building self-confidence.
• Fine and gross motor skills: Developing hand-eye coordination and experiencing a play-based environment.

In addition, staff teaches a curriculum that supports shorter attention spans. Students' curiosity is engaged through high interest themes. An emphasis on play-based learning using games, toys and art activities helps Young Fives Kindergarten students develop skills in fine motor control, independent problem solving and communication.

Young Fives Kindergarten is not mandatory in Michigan. Participation in Young Fives Kindergarten is optional, based on parental selection. However, parents/guardians are encouraged to consider the benefits of the program and discuss their child's readiness for formal schooling with educators and other professionals.  We are happy to assist you in determining if this is the best option for your child. Upon registration, expect to receive communication from your child's elementary school.

To enroll your child in Young Fives Kindergarten, please visit MISTAR (resa.net) (Will be posted on March 1, 2024)

Yes. Young Fives Kindergarten is a full school day and will follow the elementary school schedule including start and end times. There is not an option for half days or fewer days.

Yes, they will eat lunch at school and will have the option of school-provided meals or to bring their own lunch.

In addition to the materials on our website, our elementary schools will hold a Kindergarten Information Night on April 9, 2024.  If you are not sure of the best choice (Kindergarten or Young Fives) for your child, please reach out to the school where your child will attend Kindergarten next year.  The building leader will be available on April 9 or can set up an appointment with you to help make an informed decision.

No, the pathway is designed for Young Fives Kindergarten, Kindergarten and then First Grade.  Children would join their home school Kindergarten program the year following Young Fives Kindergarten.  The Young Fives Kindergarten learning experience does not replace the Livonia Public Schools' Kindergarten program.

Locations for 2024-2025 Young Fives Kindergarten will be announced no later than June 2024.  Depending upon registration and interest, there will be at least one Young Fives Kindergarten classroom located within each triad of the district.

All families will receive notification/confirmation of placement no later than June 20, 2024. Each students' boundary/home school will be taken into consideration when placements are made.

Teacher placements will be shared in late August, along with all other elementary grade teacher assignments.

Our current Young Fives Kindergarten program does not offer transportation for students.

Yes, we understand you may have a change in your decision, but it is our goal to have those decisions final prior to our Young Fives and Kindergarten Roundup in late May.  For these days, we strive to have our future Young Fives Kindergarten or Kindergarten students join the session at their future school.