Kindergarten Prep Group
The Kindergarten Prep group utilizes a structured group format along with group play to help foster social and emotional skills that kids need for kindergarten. Children learn and practice calming and self-regulation strategies such as guided breathing and other sensory-based techniques that they can use both in the classroom and at home. Children also will learn the building blocks of positive peer interaction, including how to start and maintain conversations and how to engage in play with others.
Ready for Kindergarten:
Social Emotional Skills Group
Is your child gearing up for kindergarten?
This small-group program helps kids and parents learn and practice the social emotional skills that set children up for a strong start.
When:
Saturday mornings, summer before Kindergarten year
Where:
Chevy Chase at 9:00 AM
Capitol Hill at 9:30 AM
What Kids Practice
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Flexibility
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Emotional regulation
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Maintaining attention
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Self advocacy
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Social interaction
For Children Entering K Who Are:
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Working on expressing their feelings in words
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Building conversation and play skills
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Developing confidence in group settings
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Eager to feel prepared, confident, and excited for the start of kindergarten
Parent participation is built in so skills carry over at home and school.
Group Structure
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6-week program
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4-6 children per group
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Skill-focused lesson
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Guided self-regulation
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Play based, in the moment coaching to practice and reinforce skills
What We Will Cover
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Handling unexpected changes
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Recognizing big deal vs. little deal situations
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Conversation skills and making friends
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How to compromise and problem-solve
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How to communicate your needs
Meet Your Group Leaders
Shelby Marrero, LCSW-C
Chevy Chase
With over 15 years working in the early education and counseling fields, Shelby brings a whole person, developmental approach to working with children and families. Shelby currently serves as a Mental Health Provider at Ivymount School and leader of the early childhood group services at Alvord Baker.
Meghan Collins, PhD
Capitol Hill
Dr. Collins is a licensed psychologist with over 8 years of experience. Her warm, authentic, and developmentally tailored approach supports young children in growing their social, emotional, and behavioral capabilities. Dr. Collins has extensive training in early childhood interventions and is passionate about empowering families with evidence-based strategies to support their young children’s needs.