James Monroe Campus
In 2009, North Bay Children’s Center expanded its Novato and Petaluma child care to two Santa Rosa sites; James Monroe Elementary School and Steele Lane Elementary School. The Monroe program provides full day preschool for children ages 3-5. Funding is primarily by the California State Department of Education through the Child Development Division. This state funding provides subsidized child care for eligible families.
NBCC’s school readiness and school connections opportunities are offered on site to James Monroe Elementary children and families. NBCC staff has a close relationship with the Principal, Kindergarten teachers, 1st and 2nd grade teachers, administrative staff and counselors that offers a seamless transition into Kindergarten and future childhood education opportunities.
Of the Monroe student population 67% are English learners. Bilingual language development/English learners are supported by NBCC staff in the following ways: 1) in the classroom through encouragement to use the home language while nurturing the acquisition of English, 2) staff encouragement of the children’s parents to be actively involved in their child’s education both at home and in the classroom, 3) staff understanding of the importance to incorporate cultural differences into language use within the daily schedule and 4) that the students culture and languages are reflected within the classroom.
Parent involvement in the NBCC program is vital. Ongoing, open communication enables staff to work together with parents to ensure a smooth transition into the program and remain connected throughout the child’s NBCC experience. Parents have opportunities to participate in the classroom throughout the year. Classrooms hold family potlucks each semester as well as parent education and support classes quarterly.
"It has been my pleasure to work with North Bay Children’s Center on the opening of our new state funded preschool classrooms. Our partnership has resulted in preschool classrooms that are truly partners with their K-6 colleagues. The collaboration between North Bay Children’s Center, our district office, the site principal, and the kindergarten teachers will insure a smooth transition for our youngest students into our K-6 system." Kris Cosca, Director of Curriculum and Instruction K-6, Santa Rosa City Schools
James Monroe Elementary School
“Monroe School staff is deeply committed to a collaborative effort ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through the combined effort of active support and cooperation, our vision is to increase the academic success of our students. Our goal is to provide a challenging and rigorous curriculum for all children. We are located on the northwestern section of Santa Rosa and are enriched by an ethnically diverse student population. Students, parents, staff and community provide a caring learning environment that addresses the needs of our diverse population and provides a thinking, meaning-centered, outcome-based education for all students.”
For more information on James Monroe Elementary school site, please click on www.srcs.k12.ca.us
