Intergenerational Pre-Kindergarten Program

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    The Norman Public School District has partnered with Grace Skilled Nursing in Norman to offer incoming pre-kindergarten students with a unique opportunity to experience daily interactions with the center’s residents through an innovative, intergenerational education program.

    During the 2023-2024 school year, two extended-day pre-kindergarten classes will be offered at the facility, which features two newly constructed classrooms and a playground built specifically for the program. While the academic curriculum is consistent with pre-k programs across the district, the intergenerational program will provide real-world lessons in empathy, social history, conversation skills and more.

    Residents, known as “grandmas and grandpas,” serve as reading buddies with students and engage in activities such as music, movement, sing-a-longs, dramatic play, shared studies and ice cream socials. Students are supervised at all times by a certified teacher or a Grace Skilled Nursing employee, who serves as a liaison during daily interactions with residents. Due to Covid strict safety precautions that are in place, some interactions may remain virtual.

    These interactions can enhance children’s social and emotional development, as the program provides a unique atmosphere for learning, caring and cooperation. Students who have participated in intergenerational programs are also prone to feel more comfortable around those with disabilities than their peers who lack similar experiences.

    Grace Skilled Nursing is a proven leader in intergenerational programs. The Norman Public School District has partnered with the center to model their successful partnership with Jenks Public Schools in Tulsa. For more information about the nationally recognized model program click here.

Enrollment Procedures

  • Norman Public Schools will offer an Intergenerational Pre-Kindergarten (4-year-old) Program for the 2023-2024 school year. This program is located at Grace Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation of Norman, 201 48th Ave. S.W. in Norman, OK.

    The Pre-K Program will feature teachers who are certified in Early Childhood Education with a maximum class size of 10 students for one teacher.  Class numbers will be increased only if 15 or more students request enrollment. At 15 students, an aide would be added and the total class size could range from 15 to 20. No class will have more than 20 students. This is an extended day program. The school day will begin at 8:05 a.m. and dismissal is 3:05 p.m.  Grace Living has capacity for 40 students total.

    Norman Public Schools Pre-K is a voluntary program and TRANSPORTATION WILL NOT BE PROVIDED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  Enrollment will not be accepted unless all enrollment requirements for Norman Public Schools are met.

    ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES:

    STUDENTS MUST BE (4) FOUR ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2023.

    1. Beginning Feb 21, 2023, parents who are interested in having their 4 year old attend the Intergenerational Pre-K program should go to your child’s assigned elementary school or the district website to obtain more information and an application. The application is to be completed online and the enrollment materials are to be held until after the Pre-K drawings.
    2. Parents will complete the application, indicating their interest for the drawing.  
    3. The application may be completed immediately or they will be accepted until 4 p.m. on March 9, 2023.  
    4. The drawing results will be posted March 23, 2023, by 4 p.m.  A list of the students’ names (first name, last initial only) in the order drawn will be posted on the NPS website. Parents will NOT be notified individually by Norman Public Schools regarding the results of the drawing.         
    5. After the drawing, applicants will confirm enrollment online. Enrollment materials consist of enrollment form, birth certificate, immunization record, and two (2) proofs of residency.  All enrollment materials must be completed online by April 6, 2023 or the student’s place will be forfeited.  Lists will be reviewed and confirmed after that deadline.
    6. IF THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS EXCEEDS THE NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE FOR ENROLLMENT AT A SCHOOL, NORMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CLOSE ENROLLMENT AND PLACE THE REMAINING APPLICANTS ON A WAITING LIST.   
    7. If you have completed the standard Pre K application and your child is NOT selected for Grace Living their enrollment will be part of the larger drawing process. You may still indicate a first and second choice on the Pre K Enrollment form if you participate in the Intergenerational Program drawing.
    8. All state required immunizations must be in process by the first day of school.  
    9. All other applicants’ names will be maintained on waiting lists at the Administrative Services Center.
    10. CONFIRMATION OF ENROLLMENT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PRE-K STUDENTS.

    Enrollment will be open from February 21 - March 9

    Application will be available here on February 21, 2023

     

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What are the benefits of this program?

  • How many students can the program accommodate?

  • Do all Grace Skilled Nursing residents and employees have background checks?

  • Are the hours the same as traditional elementary school sites?

  • What school is associated with Grace Skilled Nursing?

  • Does the program offer music and physical education?

  • Is transportation provided by the school district?

  • What activities will the residents participate in?

  • Does the facility have a playground?

  • Are student meals served on site?

  • How will students be selected?

  • Where is the facility located?

  • When are applications due?

  • I have more questions. Who do I contact?