Look past Family and Youth Initiative’s front door and the office as you walk in. Go a little further into the conference room—and come into a fairyland of new equipment and nooks and crannies for the young scholars who are starting pre-school this week. AND, welcome to the Little Scholar Pre-School Program of FYI!
Begun in 2005, the pre-school initially targeted children of inner city Springfield. Many parents there were very leary of school and letting their children go to a public school. Many had had
issues with school themselves and did not want their children to endure the problems they had had. Many had no formal schooling and were scared of allowing their children to be in the guidance with those they did not know. And many did not want to lose control of their child at such a young age. ENTER LITTLE SCHOLARS.
FYI understood many of the concerns and created a school in which parents come with their children and participate in class and learn lessons about discipline, reading habits, and ways to teach their children so they can be ready for public school. Classes were held twice a week and parents were fully involved in all aspects. And the children prospered and as they went to school, the children did well in school, many of the parents got involved with the schools and also saw the importance of education in their children’s lives. Unfortunately, a lack of finances drove out the program and made it close.
Four years ago, Little Scholars got financial help and reopened in New Carlisle in the conference room for FYI. Led by great teachers and aides Little Scholars have flourished since then –taking up to 10 children at a time and teaching them about social-emotional health, academics, playtime and friendships. The classes are very diverse, reflecting the local community, and are all about good parenting skills and stable emotional health for their children. Done in 18 week sessions, the PATH (PROMOTING ALTERATIVE THINKING STRATAGIES) curricula by Channing Bete is used to teach healthly relationships and responses when faced with challenges. Children are taught how to react to bad situations and positive discipline techniques are used to teach the parents how to correct their children. This year, with two bi-lingual educators, FYI has helped in teaching Hispanic parents how to adjust to American culture and to work with the children for a better entrance into kindergarten. Many field trips around the area help all parents to see where they can take their children and how they can use trips to continue to educate each child.
Any Clark County child who is potty trained and ages 3-5 or until they are ready for kindergarten, is welcomed to enroll in the class. Because of limited space only 10-12 are enrolled at a time and a parent or guardian is expected to accompany the child in class. Class times are Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am to 1pm.
If interested in enrollment, parents are asked to call 845-0403 and ask for Lourdes, Sandra, or Pat. Enrollment forms are also on the web site, www.fyiohio.org under Little Scholars program. Call for more information and classes.