Families who have children ready to begin school will not want to miss out on Vicenza Elementary School's preschool program: It just may be the best deal in town!
The Sure Start program offers a free, full-day preschool designed for four-year-old children of Soldiers who rank E-6 and below, with priority being given to sponsors who are E-4 and below.
According to Nancy De Caro, teacher for Sure Start, the federally funded program offers two classes, with spots for 18 students in each.
"Sure Start is a great way for four-year-olds to begin their formal education," De Caro said. "The program focuses on the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of preschoolers. Children learn how to be part of a group setting, learn how to share, take turns and express their needs and wants with their peers. They will also learn social skills, problem solving, pre-reading and early math skills."
A typical day for children in the program begins at 9 a.m. and includes both structured and non-structured time. Children have educational group time, work in centers and participate in outdoor education. There is family-style dining, rest time, story time and journal time, she added.
The program is student-centered and focuses on the whole child.
"Children have opportunities to learn in whole groups, small groups and one-on-one with the teachers," she said. "Activities are carefully chosen by teachers with teaching degrees and many years of experience."
Sure Start also fosters parent education. According to educational research, preschool programs with a strong parent component provides growth in children that goes on for many years. De Caro said parents with children enrolled in the program have opportunity to attend parent workshops, volunteer in their child's classroom, and have individualized information about their child's growth and learning through home visits.
Families interested in the preschool program must fill out an application at the elementary school located on Villaggio. Children must be four years old by Sept. 1.
Social Sharing