Part-day preschool kicks off Aug. 17

Published July 22, 2009
By Kimberly Moore Limrick
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The child development center is currently accepting registration in its part-day enrichment program for children 3 to 5 years old.

Children already enrolled in the full-day care are already receiving this preparatory care.
The program begins Aug. 17, lasts three hours per day Mondays through Thursdays and facilitates children's readiness for kindergarten.

"The children attending Pre-K will follow the same curriculum in place for those children in full-day care," said Roveta Simmons, director. "However, these children will follow the school-year calendar, honoring school holidays, and attend either 8-11 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m. Additionally, these families won't have to meet the same employment restrictions as those of full-day care children."

"This care is available to children of active-duty military members, active-duty reservists, Department of Defense civilians and DOD contractors. Both parents don't have to be employed to take advantage of this program and fees are still based on household income," she added.

The CDC provides a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment for children to foster positive identity and a sense of emotional wellbeing.

"Most of our staff has child development associate credentials and/or a four-year degree," Ms. Simmons said.

Since young children learn best through play, the CDC has set up its environment to meet this need.

"The CDC staff uses the Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies, as well as lesson plans based on the developmental needs and individual interests of the child," Victoria Jones, CDC training curriculum specialist, pointed out.

The CDC uses the developmental practices outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

"NAEYC advocates a child-initiated, teacher-facilitated method which supports children's growth and development," Ms. Jones said. "Young children need to be in an environment that allows them to explore and develop all the necessary skills needed for their early school-age years to set a firm foundation for their future learning."

Each program implements developmentally appropriate activities that promote the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of children enrolled. All programs have a training and curriculum specialist who provides staff training on implementation of the curriculum and other safety, health, and child abuse prevention requirements in accordance with Air Force and DOD requirements.

For more information, call 377-2211.