School day to begin for three-year-olds

By Trisha Marczak (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Video

Anne Stenoien speaks with Trisha Marczak about the pre school program for three year olds. Watch »

The Underwood School District is expanding its services to children as young as three-years-old.

After receiving feedback from area parents, the school board approved the creation of two new preschool programs; one that expands four-year-old preschool to two full days a week and one that offers three-year olds the opportunity to attend preschool for two half days a week.

“Research shows the earlier a child is involved, the more ready they will be for kindergarten,” said Anne Stenoien, director of Underwood’s community education.

It was for that reason that parents, teachers and district leaders approved the program.

Three-year-olds will be taught skills in physical and social development, and other skills helpful for their second year of preschool.

While children used to wait until first grade before they began to tackle advanced tasks like reading, they are now expected to practice those skills in kindergarten. For that reason, it is important to get kids into the learning scene earlier, Stenoien said.

Photo by Trisha Marczak

Anne Stenoien inspects the school’s playground Monday to make sure it’s up-to-code for incoming three-year-old preschool students.

Bus services will be offered to three-year-olds. Because the youngsters will only be attending half days, they’ll have the chance to catch a one-way trip on the bus.

The school is accepting applications through Sept-ember. Those registering through the open enrollment program can also apply.

An open house is scheduled for Aug. 27, when Stenoien expects she and others will see many parents interested in enrolling three-year-olds in the program.

The most important requirement, Stenoien said, is that children are “potty trained.”

There is also a parent fee for the program, which is currently running at $70 a month. Alternative routes for payment can be explored for those qualifying as low-income.

Last year, Underwood had 24 four-year-olds enrolled in the preschool program employing one teacher and a teacher’s aide. Stenoien said that if the three-year-old program meets or exceeds 10 children, the district will look to hire additional aides to make up for the extra work.