Learning Begins...
...At An Early Age!
by Judy Chamberlain
May 01, 2008
This is a great time to be a young child in the Perry-Lecompton school district! For several years, a team of professionals and parents has been meeting to make sure that we give our children the best possible start in life and in school. The Early Childhood Advisory Board looks at the “big picture” for our area, starting with the Parents As Teachers program for babies from birth to three years old, moving through preschool at Grantville Early Childhood Center for three and four year olds, and ending with Kindergarten at Perry and Lecompton Elementary Schools.
The goals of all the programs are consistent: to work with families to ensure healthy learning environments both at home and in school, to expand the experiences of youngsters so that they will be ready for “big school” at the age of five, and to assist parents in their role as the child’s first, best teachers. We work to build lasting relationships with our families by getting to know them and by asking for their help as volunteers and partners in education.
Everyone who works with our very young children shares core values. We want the children to grow socially and emotionally, to become independent and confident people. We provide safe and happy places to take limited risks. We like the children’s sense of play, and believe that play is the business of childhood, so we have invested in new playground equipment and up-to-date stories, puppets, and learning tools such as balance scales and sensory tables. We are very child-centered.
If you think that your child or grandchild could benefit from participating in Parents As Teachers, GECC Preschool, or Kindergarten, and you would like more information, please contact Jill Spurling (for preschool or PES kindergarten) at 597-5156, Susie Hackathorn (for LES Kindergarten) at 887-6343, or Jeni Dickson (PAT) at 887-6004. We welcome your inquiries!
