Kindergarten & Young Fives

Kindergarten & Young Fives Screenings: June 17 & 18, 2025

GHAPS students have two great options for their first year of school: Young Fives and kindergarten. Before students take this exciting step, we ask that all families sign up for a Kindergarten & Young Fives Screening appointment. These appointments help our staff get to know each incoming student’s strengths and skills, so we can best prepare to support their learning next year, and they help you make the best choice for your child.

This year’s screenings will be held on Tuesday, June 17 and Wednesday, June 18 between 9 AM and 3:30 PM inside Griffin Elementary, located at 1700 S Griffin St. Each  elementary school will be staffing one half of one of these dates.  


>> CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR A SCREENING APPOINTMENT <<


Families are encouraged, but not required, to choose a time that corresponds to the school their child will be attending in Kindergarten. We are asking that as many families as possible sign up for one of these two dates to help us with classroom planning for next school year. However, make-up dates will be available later in the summer for those who are unable to attend in June.

A teacher smiling and giving two thumbs up to a group of children

What to expect during the screening

During the screenings, which typically only take 15-20 minutes, our team of experienced teachers, social workers, and speech pathologists will meet individually with each child for a brief assessment that focuses on social and behavioral readiness, communication skills, fine and gross motor development, and academic readiness. There is no passing or failing the screenings. They will feel more like friendly conversations than assessments–our staff really enjoy getting to know each child through this process!

Before starting school in the fall, all students will need to complete health and dental screenings. The Ottawa County Department of Public Health will be available on-site for hearing, vision, and dental screenings. Dental screenings will be available without an appointment, and the hearing and vision screenings will be available by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call the health department at 616.396.526.

What to do before the screening

  • Sign up for a screening appointment: click here to sign up for a time slot now.

  • Complete the questionnaire: We ask that all families complete a student questionnaire prior to the screening appointment to help provide us with additional information about your child. Click here to begin the pre-screening questionnaire, or visit our website at GHAPS.org/screening.

  • No pressure: We don't want this to be a stressful time for you or your child, so please help us by reassuring your child that this will be a relaxed, low-pressure meeting with one of our teachers who loves getting to know kids.

What are the differences between kindergarten and Young Fives?

Young Fives

Beginning next school year (25-26), the Young Fives program will be hosted in the new nature-based early learning center at the Mary A. White location. While Young Fives students still work on foundational reading and math skills, the curriculum is more play-based, focusing on social-emotional skills and school-ready habits. Young Fives provides the gift of time for students as they prepare to thrive in Kindergarten and beyond.

Kindergarten

Our kindergarten classrooms are available in each GHAPS elementary school. Kindergarten generally moves at a faster pace and with a greater academic focus than Young Fives, like other elementary grade levels. 

Age requirements and waiver clarification

In order to enroll in kindergarten or Young Fives, students must turn five on or before September 1, 2025. Generally speaking, Young Fives may be recommended for consideration for children with summer birthdays through September 1. Students with birthdays between September 2 and December 1 may still enroll in Young Fives with a waiver simply by completing the online enrollment process.

Questions

If you have any questions about the screening process, please contact ___________. Thank you again for enrolling your child as a Grand Haven Buccaneer. We look forward to seeing you soon!