HOULTON, Maine — School isn’t just about algebra and advanced sciences. For a new batch of students, going back to school will be all about “Duplo” blocks, doll houses and a brand new curriculum specially for them.
Little Eagles Preschool officially launches this fall, making its home inside Greater Houlton Christian Academy, and aiming to offer a combination of academic instruction and enrichment activities for students 30 months old and up.
“Our program is similar to a typical nursery school program, but one difference is we’ll offer a full-day option if parents want to take advantage of that,” explained Heidi Nightingale, chair of the Little Eagles board of directors.
The preschool will offer a traditional half-day option, as well, she noted. “Whether students attend a full-day or a half-day, they’ll still receive the same instructional time because of the way we’ll have our class day structured,” Nightingale explained. “Students’ class time will be in the morning and afternoons will be for crafts, rest time, outdoor time or other special projects.”
Parents of Little Eagles students will also have the option of enrolling in the preschool’s Early and Extended Care programs which offer care before and after school hours, starting as early as 6:30 a.m. and stretching as late as 5:30 p.m. Plans are also in the works to offer a summer program starting in June 2016.
“The goal is to make this program as convenient for parents as possible,” explained board member Barrett Potter. “We’re hopeful that offering these extended care hours at affordable rates will do that.”
The mission stretches beyond class times, toys and books, though. “Our program teaches social skills, how to share toys and play together. It stresses physical coordination and develops motor skills,” said Korene Lord, program director. “It really helps introduces kiddos to the joys of learning and that carries over into their school years.”
The academic and social benefits of the program are immense, she added. “Education helps children learn to navigate life,” explained Lord. “And those first steps to learning start in the heart. At Little Eagles Preschool, we’re here to provide a ministry to the community to promote the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and social growth of each child. Our program is designed so that each child succeeds at developing a positive attitude toward learning. It’s about helping children learn to soar educationally.”
Enrollment for Little Eagles Preschool is open for students anytime after they turn 30 months old; they do not have to be potty trained. Tuition rates for the full-day program are $100/week and Extended Care rates are just $3 an hour.
For more information, look up Little Eagles Preschool on Facebook, call 694-3638 or email office@ghca.com, putting Little Eagles Preschool in the subject line.
