Patricia McCully, at her desk at Valley United Methodist Church, is preparing to lead Stepping Stones Preschool’s first summer session for children preparing to begin all-day kindergarten, which begins in the Marion-Florence school system this fall.
As the Marion-Florence school district moves to all-day kindergarten this fall, Stepping Stones Preschool is offering a program to help prepare prospective students for the challenge.
Starting in June and running through July, Stepping Stones, which is operated by Valley United Methodist Church, is offering its New Step 3 program for 5-year-olds.
“We’re hoping to fill a need where we have some kids who aren’t quite ready for school, and some that need the continuing structure to keep them ready for school,” said Patty McCully, director.
“Here in Marion, kindergarten is all day, so it’s a big adjustment, coming either with no preschool or just going three hours a day,” she added. “To go all day is a long day for them.”
The program will be run on Tuesdays and Thursdays. McCully said Stepping Stones wants to fill morning classes first, and would offer an afternoon session if there’s enough interest.
Stepping Stones has room for 24 children.
The morning class will run from 8:30 to 11:30. An afternoon class, if offered, would run from 12:30 to 3:30. The fee for the month is $70.
“I’ve gotten together with the (USD 408) kindergarten teacher and she has sent over a list of what their expectations are,” McCully said. “So programs are going to be more individualized for each child, and exactly what they need to be working on to get them ready to go.
“It will be a little more academic structured—with more worksheets and hands-on learning and a little less of the social, play time.”
McCully, who lives in Newton, is in her first year at Stepping Stones. She has an associate’s degree in child care and development and has worked in day care for 14 years.
For five years prior to taking the position at Stepping Stones, she worked at the special-purpose school at Prairieview.
“This will be the first year we’re tried this, so we’re hoping to have a good turnout this summer so we’ll be able to continue it in the future,” McCully said.
Parents wanting more information about the new program can call the church office at 620-382-3142 between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon.
