Kirsten Mundy

Standard Editor

It's said that the first five years of life are clearly identified as the most rapid period of brain growth, and Trinity Christian Academy is giving parents a chance to have their children taking advantage of that a little more.

"Kids learn so much in the first five years," said Sheila Neufeld, Kindergarten teacher and supervisor for the new Pre-Kindergarten program at the school. "It sets them up for life."

Neufeld said the school is in the process of trying to increase enrolment, and giving parents the option of kick starting a child's education is an excellent opportunity for everyone involved.

"Basically, it's the same program as our Kindergarten program, but it's a step down," said Neufeld. "They'll have a good base for me to build on when they get to Kindergarten. They'll be a lot more ready."

Neufeld explained that the program will be operated by Susan Hunter, who is an educational assistant, and supervised by herself.

"This will be a stepping stone into Kindergarten. It's based academically," said Hunter. "We're more play-based, active and hands on."

The children who are enrolled in the program will learn some of the things they will see again in Kindergarten, including colours, shapes, the alphabet and numbers.

While the major goal for the program is to have children more prepared for Kindergarten, Hunter said really it's a chance to have them better prepared for everything in life.

"It's sets them up for success," said Hunter.

Neufeld said the program will be running half days on Tuesdays and Thursdays right now. They will accept 12 children in the first class, and if there is more interest they will open up a second class.

It will cost $100 per month and runs throughout the regular school year.

"Anybody can come," said Hunter, who also indicated that although they would appreciate parents as volunteers, there is no expectation that any volunteer hours be filled.

"You can feel free to volunteer but it's not mandatory."

In addition to planning for the school year, Hunter said she's excited to get to introduce the children to school life a little earlier. The class will be integrated as often as possible into school-wide events, including the daily singing of O Canada and devotions.

"It's exactly like the normal school say," said Hunter.

Getting to see this happen is something Hunter looks forward to the most. She said the program has been done in larger centers before and has been successful, as far as she knows.

"At age four they're such smart little kids and it's exciting to see how much they can learn."

For more information or to sign your child up for the Pre-Kindergarten program please call Trinity Christian Academy at 403-361-9631.