A few years back, there was a popular book titled “Everything I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” Today, the same thing could be said of preschool.

As kindergarten becomes more academically challenging, preschool is really filling a role once held by kindergartenn to get children ready for school.

See more preschool pictures on Page C-1.

“They get experiences they wouldn’t get otherwise,” said Andrea Coleman, preschool teacher at Auburn School.

Preschool offers three- and four-year-old children a chance to get a taste of school before starting kindergarten, which is all day, five days a week. Preschool in the Logan County School System is three hours a day, four days a week.

Preschool offers simple but important lessons about being on a schedule, interacting with other children and adults, learning how to following directions and even standing in line. Learning these lessons early on does make a difference.

“The kindergarten teachers say they can tell a big difference in the ones that have come from preschool,” Coleman said.

Family Facilitator for Preschool Jane Wilkins said parents that are interested in learning more about Logan County’s preschool program should plan to attend the Transition to Preschool meeting on March 22 at 6 p.m. at Logan County High School. Parents will get information on the preschool program and will be given appointment times for preschool screenings. Child care will be provided.

Wilkins explained that there are a couple of ways to qualify for preschool. One way for both three and four year olds is with what is called a developmental delay. This could be in the area of speech and language, cognitive abilities, motor skills or even personal/social skills and independent living/adaptive abilities. Children who turn four by October 1 can qualify based on income.

“Children develop at different rates,” Wilkins said. Preschool gives them a chance to improve skills in certain areas. Physical therapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists are brought in for those students that need help in those areas.

Coleman, who has been a preschool teacher for 13 years, said all that they do is part of the learning experience for the students. They use developmentally appropriate curriculum and offer a variety of activities.

A typical day in preschool consists of a meal, music and movement time, calendar or circle time, small groups, and center time. They also have special activities like going to gym or art.

Several Auburn students were willing to share their thoughts on what they like about preschool.

When asked what her favorite thing at preschool was, Macie Cook said “playing at center time.” Her favorite center time activity is baby dolls.

“I like to play with the toys,” added Tori Ellis.

“I know how to spell my name,” said Aaron Hunt.

Wilkins said it is important for parents interested in enrolling their child in preschool this fall to attend the March 22 meeting or call the school board at 726-2436 to schedule a screening time.

“Spots are taken quickly,” Wilkins said. Many schools, like Auburn, are at capacity. If the school in a student’s district is full, they are sent to another school. The county does provide transportation for preschool students.

The state mandates that there are no more than 20 students in a class. Each class has a teacher and a full-time aide. The morning session is from 8-11 and the afternoon session is from 11-2 and they meet Monday through Thursday with Friday being a planning day for teachers.