Partners In Leaning Child Development and Family Resource Center has hired a teacher for the center’s new kindergarten program.
Shelley Cross will teach the new kindergarten class beginning in August.
Cross has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a focus on kindergarten through sixth grade from Pfeiffer University. She has taught in kindergarten classrooms for both the Rowan-Salisbury Schools and St. John’s Lutheran Kindergarten.
“I am excited about the opportunity to develop an enriching, nurturing, and challenging program for children at Partners in Learning,” Cross said in a Partners In Learning press release. “While working closely with parents and staff, I will help the children grow in all areas to insure they reach their greatest potential.”
Executive Director Norma Honeycutt said Cross is “a perfect fit” because of her experience and her desire to lead a developmentally appropriate classroom using the North Carolina Common Core.
“We are thrilled that Shelley has agreed to come on board and teach our new student-centered kindergarten,” Honeycutt said. “Shelley demonstrates a commitment to grow professionally and is dedicated to student growth and learning, both academically and socially.”
The kindergarten class will have space for 12 students. Honeycutt said there will be a clear emphasis on the development of strong language, math, and science skills.
“The curriculum is a comprehensive approach that challenges children and supports all areas of development,” she said. “The curriculum builds off the child’s knowledge and skill base, learning style, and interests.”
The curriculum will extend from the planned child-choice learning environment utilizing the state Common Core Standards and incorporates Second Step Curriculum, Zoo Phonics, More Than Mudpies Nutrition Curriculum, and Special Olympics Young Athletes Physical Education Curriculum.
“We believe each child is gifted and should be offered a nurturing and encouraging classroom environment where each has the opportunity to learn and to be challenged at his or her own pace,” Honeycutt said.
Partners In Learning is now enrolling students for the program. For more information, visit epartnersinlearning.org.