PRESCHOOL

The GATE Preschool provides daily sessions at four elementary schools on the island. Children who are four (4) years of age by the beginning of each school year are eligible for consideration for the program. Public Law 14-45 passed in 1977 mandates the gifted education preschool program.

The curriculum of this program is specifically designed for four (4) year old gifted children. It is meant to be a well-rounded program to meet their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs without pressure and unnecessary structure. It is meant to be a balance between acceleration and enrichment activities. It is not intended to replace kindergarten. Its intentions are to allow the children to function at all levels at which they are ready, while providing them with a background of experiences that will help them to be eager and effective learners.

The GATE Preschool program is a one year program. At the end of the Preschool the child will return to a school of their district and must re-qualify for the GATE Elementary Program upon nomination.

 

 

Started to walk and talk before most other children you know about.
Is at least a little taller, heavier and stronger than others his or her age.
Shows an interest in time, clocks, calendars, yesterday and tomorrow, and days of the week.
Learned to read even though not yet five years old.
Likes to read.
Arranges toys and other possessions, putting the same kinds of things together.
Knows which numbers are larger than others.
Can count and point to each item as he or she correctly say the number.
Creates make-believe playmates as he or she "plays house" or different games.
Is interested in what is on television and in newspapers, in addition to cartoons and comics.
Learns easily.
Shows impatience with jobs around the house that seem to have no meaning - Like putting toys away
when he or she is just going to have to take them out again.
Asks "why?" often, and really wants to know the answer.
Is curious about a lot of things, From a tiny insect and how it's "made", to a car and how it works.
Doesn't like to wait for other children to catch up.
Sticks with a task longer than others do, won't give up easily.
Does things differently in ways that make good sense, whether it's piling up blocks,
Setting the table, or drying dishes.
Likes to be with older children, can keep up with them.
Collects things, likes to organize them, and doesn't want anyone to mess them up - But
doesn't always collect neatly.
Can carry on a conversation, and enjoys it.
Uses big words and knows what they mean.
Shows an interest in drawing and music, knows colors, and may have rhythm.
Makes up jokes.
Has good sense of humor.

GATE Preschool
School Year 2003 - 2004

For Children who will be 4 years old by July 31, 2003.

4 GATE Preschool sites (Based on your residence)

  • · Harry S. Truman Elementary in Santa Rita
  • · MU Lujan in Yona
  • · Juan M. Guerrero in Dededo
  • · D.L. Perez in Yigo

Testing for 4 year-olds will be at MU Lujan Elementary in Yona from March - May, 2003, at which time testing will be closed for the upcoming school year. GATE Preschool will begin in August.

To have your 4 year-old tested::

  • · Beginning March 1, 2003, go to the GATE Office (located in the lobby of the GATE Theatre in Tiyan across from the Tiyan Gym, Headstart & Police Motorpool) to fill out a Parent Permission to Test (parent or legal guardian must sign) Form.
  • · Bring a copy of your 4-year-old's birth certificate or passport as proof of age. Processing of applications are from Monday - Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. At that time you will be given an appointment for your child's testing. Appointments are given on a first come, first serve basis. Slots are very limited, so make-up appointments WILL NOT be given for missed appointments.

On the day of Testing:

  • · Prepare your child by making sure your child is well rested and has a good breakfast. Try not to use the word "test" when preparing your child because some kids remember tests at the clinic that involve needles and "ow-ies".
  • · Be relaxed, and your child will also relax.
  • · Testing will be at MU Lujan Elementary. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

TEST #1: Your child will have to separate from you (or the adult that brings him/her) & go into the testing room with the tester.

TEST #2: The tester will be asking your child to draw some easy pictures.

TEST #3: The child will tell the tester what some words mean.

TEST #4: The tester and your child will play a game together.

At the end of the testing session, the tester will review test results with the parent. However, if your child qualifies for the GATE Preschool , you will not be notified until late June as to whether or not your child's scores were in the top 14 for each test site. The top 14 scorers make up each class; others will be put on a waiting list based on scores.