The Young 5’s program at New Discoveries Early Learning Center is designed for children who may benefit from an additional year of growth and preparation before entering kindergarten.
Located in Andover, Kansas, our preschool serves families from Andover, east Wichita, Derby, Augusta, and nearby communities who want to give their child the confidence and readiness needed for long-term success in school.
Every child develops at a different pace. Some children benefit greatly from having an extra year to strengthen their academic, social, and emotional skills before entering kindergarten. Our Young 5’s class provides that opportunity in a nurturing, academically focused environment.
Who Is the Young 5’s Program Designed For?
To enroll in the Young 5’s class, children must be 5 years old by December 31 of the current school year.
This program is often a great fit for children who:
• Are close to kindergarten age but may benefit from more time to mature
• Would gain confidence from another year of structured learning
• Need additional time to strengthen social or emotional skills
• Would benefit from stronger academic readiness before kindergarten
For many families, this additional year allows their child to enter kindergarten feeling confident, capable, and ready to succeed.
What Children Learn in the Young 5’s Program
Our Young 5’s class focuses on developing skills across several important areas of growth. Children are assessed throughout the semester to monitor their progress and readiness for kindergarten.
Social and Emotional Skills
Children continue building strong social skills that help them succeed in a classroom environment.
Students practice:
• Playing and sharing willingly
• Attempting to solve social problems independently
• Participating respectfully in group activities
• Developing friendships and teamwork
• Growing in confidence and independence
These skills help children feel comfortable and prepared in a kindergarten classroom.
Self-Reliance and Independence
Our program encourages children to take responsibility for themselves and their classroom environment.
Children learn to:
• Use the bathroom independently
• Put on their own jacket or coat
• Follow classroom routines
• Complete tasks independently
• Demonstrate responsibility for personal belongings
These skills are important for helping children transition smoothly into kindergarten.
Listening and Communication Skills
Young 5’s students continue strengthening their language and listening abilities.
Children practice:
• Listening while others are speaking
• Following three-step directions
• Participating in classroom discussions
• Using well-developed sentences
• Expanding vocabulary and communication skills
These abilities help children succeed academically and socially.
Fine Motor and Gross Motor Skills
Physical development is also an important part of kindergarten readiness.
Students practice skills such as:
• Tracing a given line
• Using scissors and writing tools
• Completing art and creative projects
• Balancing on one foot
• Participating in outdoor play and movement activities
These activities help strengthen coordination and motor development.
Academic Skills in the Young 5’s Classroom
Our Young 5’s program focuses on developing strong foundations in reading, math, and cognitive learning.
Early Reading Skills
Students begin developing important early literacy skills including:
• Recognizing their name in print
• Identifying the sounds some letters make
• Practicing rhyming words
• Listening to stories and participating in reading activities
These early reading experiences help prepare children for kindergarten literacy.
Math Readiness
Young 5’s students build confidence with foundational math concepts.
Children learn to:
• Identify numbers up to 20
• Recognize shapes and colors
• Sort objects into groups
• Compare quantities
• Identify whether groups are greater than, less than, or equal
These early math skills provide an important foundation for elementary school.
Cognitive Skills
Students also develop memory and reasoning skills that help them succeed academically.
Children practice:
• Stating their first and last name
• Knowing their birthday
• Reciting the days of the week
• Reciting the months of the year
• Following classroom routines and instructions
A Faith-Based Learning Environment
As a Christian preschool, New Discoveries Early Learning Center believes in developing both academic skills and strong character.
Children are introduced to age-appropriate Bible stories, songs, and lessons that encourage:
• Kindness
• Gratitude
• Respect for others
• Positive character development
Our goal is to help children grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
Why Families Choose New Discoveries
Many families in Andover, Wichita, Derby, and surrounding communities choose the Young 5’s program because it allows their child to develop stronger readiness before kindergarten.
Parents often see their children grow in:
• Confidence
• Independence
• Academic readiness
• Social skills
• Emotional maturity
This extra year of preparation helps many children start kindergarten feeling ready and excited to learn.
Should My Child Do Young 5’s Before Kindergarten?
One of the most common questions parents ask when preparing for school is:
“Should my child start kindergarten, or would an extra year help?”
Click here to learn more!
Schedule a private tour
The best way to see if New Discoveries Early Learning Center is the right fit for your family is to visit us in person. During your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore our classrooms, learn more about our preschool programs, and meet the caring teachers who make our school such a special place. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you determine if our Andover preschool is the right place for your child to grow, learn, and thrive.