READY! for Kindergarten
Free Classes
For parents, caregivers (Keene and Surry residents) and child care providers of children from birth to age five.
Each 90-minute class focuses on eight or nine age-appropriate activities that parents can enjoy at home with their child. Parents will receive tools, such as free toys, games, puzzles, books, music and rhymes that guide children in their learning journey
Classes for each age group meet 3 times a year and focus on the following topics:
- Language and Literacy
- Math and Reasoning
- Social and Emotional
- Orientation
There will be a one-time orientation for parents new to the program before the first class.
Length of Classes
Each age-appropriate class meets on three Monday evenings during the year. Classes begin at 6 pm, and are approximately 90 minutes long. We work hard to be as prompt as possible and appreciate when you are on time. Since we know that everyone has a busy day, should any changes lengthen the class, we will alert you ahead of time.
Location of Classes
Classes are usually held at Keene Community Education in the Jonathan Daniels School Building at 227 Maple Avenue. Participants should park at the far end of the parking lot (closest to the playground adjacent to Tanglewood Park) and enter through the door labeled: B2
Please note that circumstances may prompt remote classes. Email [email protected] for updates.
Other Important Information To Know
- Classes are for adults only! (Parents learn how to provide opportunities for learning, are provided with tools (toys) and teach their own children through play.)
- Parents/attendees (or a family member) must attend the lesson (either in person or remotely) to receive a kit following the class. (If you must miss a class, and cannot send a ‘substitute’ to hear the lesson, we are not able to provide a kit for that lesson. However, you may receive the lesson PowerPoint notes and handouts, and many of the ideas can be implemented with other toys most likely already in your possession.)
- Parents/attendees must complete an evaluation form in order to receive a kit. (If you forget to bring it, we will have blank copies available.)
- We have a policy of one kit per lesson per family. This means that, if you attend a lesson for one child and receive a kit, you may not receive another kit if you attend that same lesson again (in a subsequent year) for a second child. (1 kit/family, not per child.)
- Families/parents can ‘jump in’ at any time, i.e.,you don’t need to join in Fall of 0-1. However, to most benefit from the program, attending as many of the 15 sessions as possible is recommended.
- Parents/families attend classes based on their child’s eligibility to enter kindergarten. (See Age Groups chart below.)
Age Groups
Classes for parents of each age group are based on the year your child enters kindergarten. If your child will enter kindergarten in:
- 2027, (and will reach the age of 5 on or before Sept. 30, 2027); you will attend the Birth-1 year class.
- 2026, (and will reach the age of 5 on or before Sept. 30, 2026); you will attend the 1-2 year class.
- 2025, (and will reach the age of 5 on or before Sept. 30, 2025); you will attend the 2-3 year class.
- 2024, (and will reach the age of 5 on or before Sept. 30, 2024); you will attend the 3-4 year class.
- 2023, (and will reach the age of 5 on or before Sept. 30, 2023); you will attend the 4-5 year class.
Program Contacts
Lisa Abohatab, READY! For Kindergarten Program Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Jessie Carpenter, Supplemental Learning Administrative Assistant
603-357-0088 ext. 300