S.O.S. (Success Oriented Schooling) is a two-year kindergarten program designed to meet the needs of young children who typically turn five in late summer or early fall. It is a developmental-based program and is not considered a retention.

What are some reasons for placing a child in the S.O.S. Program?

A child:

• is younger than most in the class
• is not ready to meet regular kindergarten expectations
• exhibits overall youngness-prefers to play
• is easily distracted and struggles to stay on task
• lacks confidence
• displays immaturity compared to others
• finds fine motor activities tiresome
• has trouble keeping up with others in the class and on the playground
• needs the gift of time to develop readiness skills
• has been referred by the kindergarten screening team, classroom teacher, or parent election

What happens in S.O.S. I?

Children are placed in a smaller class with one teacher and one educational technician. The curriculum is similar to regular kindergarten but less rigorous with more individual instruction in which children grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Development of listening skills, fine and gross motor skills, and self-esteem is accomplished within a structured, nurturing and stress-free learning environment.

What happens in S.O.S. II?

SOS II takes place the second year and is made up of children in SOS I. The children continue to receive more individualized instruction with a focus on literacy (reading and writing) and mathematics. Throughout the school year, students are encouraged to become more independent and responsible in their work habits as well as classroom behavior.

What happens after S.O.S. II?

Upon completion of the two year S.O.S. Program, children are placed in a variety of first grade settings as students ready to take on the challenges of their academic futures.