2026-2027 Program Overview – Newly Enhanced!

For over 25 years, Ward Preschool has set the precedent of excellence with our Young Fives program. At the time when we began, it was because of the need for something different in Northville and the surrounding communities as we were one of the few early childhood programs that offered parents the choice of a growth year before kindergarten. Over the years we have seen the need to evolve and grow with Young Fives. What started out as a half day program, eventually moved to an extended day program as public Kindergarten in Michigan changed to all day every day.

With the many changes in the early childhood landscape in Michigan over the last few years, we have once again recognized the need for change. Taking all of our rich history into account, the 2026-2027 school year will introduce a newly enhanced Young Fives program all while staying true to what Ward Preschool is known and loved for, learning through play. It is designed for children who are ready for a school setting but would benefit from extra time to develop all essential skills needed for kindergarten readiness.

Our nurturing, close-knit community focuses on building confidence and laying strong foundations that support long-term success. The Young Fives program is tailored for children who are age-appropriate for kindergarten but would benefit from an extra growth year, particularly those born between May 1 and December 1.

Lessons are designed with scaffold support, helping children to feel successful and independent. Small, differentiated learning groups engage in explicit instruction giving the children opportunities to share ideas and receive teacher feedback.
Our enhanced Young Fives program is designed to nurture and develop five-year-olds, catering to their unique needs. It serves as a bridge between four-year-old preschool and Kindergarten, specifically meeting the needs of children who may require an additional year of growth. Our program focuses on building confidence and essential skills, providing your five-year-old with ample space to develop without the pressure of early academic expectations.

PHYSICAL

• Fine Motor (writing, painting, drawing, cutting, and gluing)
• Gross Motor (throwing, catching, skipping, and balancing)

LANGUAGE & LITERACY

• Phonological Awareness
• Vocabulary
• Predicting
• Handwriting (practiced daily with Handwriting without Tears)

COGNITIVE

• Math (identification, formation, sequencing & counting of numbers, estimating & patterning)
• Science (cause & effect, discovery, observing, & analyzing)

SPIRITUAL / SOCIAL / EMOTIONAL

• Self-Control
• Independence + Responsibility
• Sharing + Playing with Others
• Know God created and loves us

Ratios are 1 lead and 1 assistant teacher with up to 18 students per class.

Child must be 5 by December 1, 2026. No waivers or exceptions.

Why should I choose Young Fives? – Download

2026-2027 Program:

$486/month

Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday

9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.