The sounds of laughter and fun can be heard emanating throughout the new Arcola Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) building. The new addition to the Arcola School has been an amazing expansion of an already great program.
The new facility, which is larger than the classroom the group held before, was ready during the 2012 Christmas break. As school came back to session in the New Year, on Jan. 3, the children enrolled in pre-K were very excited to be in their new play space.
With more room the Pre-K has welcomed four new students, as they now have 16 spots available. Overall they have 17 kids who are involved as two children share a spot altering the days they are present.
"It's fantastic [having the new room]!" Karla Beatty exclaimed. "We love having our own bathroom and our own porch area. It's our own lovely utopia out here. The extra space is excellent, there are more kids and more activities can be set up in the space."
The Arcola Pre-K is a safe learning environment that encourages youth to be creative and have fun, while developing important life skills such as interacting with others.
"The purpose of Pre-Kindergarten is to provide young children with a comprehensive range of effective educational practices to support their total development and lay the foundation for school success and lifelong learning," Cornerstone School Division explains.
Pre-K in Arcola follows the Arcola School's schedule including all holidays. They operate between 8:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. between Mondays and Thursdays.
A typical day consists of a half an hour of games and songs, followed by time in the library. At the library they read a story together and are able to take out a book to take home. An hour of playtime back in the room is set out for youth, which is always greatly enjoyed.
"We set up invitations for playtime, so today we are making Mother's Day crafts for our Mother's Day Tea. It's less guided than a typical playschool."
Essentially the youth have the ability to discover and learn according to their own interests. They are able to switch from stations that have been set up for them that day to making up their own games and finding other items to play with. As long as they clean up after themselves they are able to move on and enjoy all the playroom has to offer.
Following playtime the group then have snacks they bring from home and finally have time to play outside before their parents pick them up.
"I like time at the school," Kailey explained as she coloured in a Mother's Day card. Playing is her favourite part of being at the school especially with baby dolls.
"I like the games... crafts... singing... and building with the sticks," Tristan said.
The Arcola School is currently accepting applications for the fall for any children turning three or four in 2013. Application forms can be found at the school, the town office, or at the day care in Arcola.
For more information an open house is being held on June 14, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. It is an opportunity for children and parents to see what the Pre-K program is like and ask questions to better acquaint themselves with the program and the new facility.
