Homeschooling Conference Aug. 20

The Eastern Washington Homeschooling Conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Homelink office, located at 14 S. Sixth Ave. in Yakima. The event is free, but visitors must bring their own lunch.

Another free event taking place at the same time and location is the “Youth Class: The Constitution and Voting.” Pizza will be served for lunch for $2.

To register, visit the Facebook pages of each event, or call Dee at 509-941-7799.

Homelink of Yakima offers training, support and services for homeschoolers and their parents in the area. You can contact the office at 509-248-6388 or visit homelinkyakima.org

Back to School

Sending kids to school for the first time is a huge step, for both kids and parents. Your child might enjoy having you around to help him or her ease into this transition to school life.

You, mom and dad, may also need some help with this change. Check to see if you can volunteer at your child’s preschool or kindergarten. At most schools, volunteers can do all sorts of things, from assisting in the classroom to fundraising, cleaning, transporting and organizing events. You won’t know until you ask.

Just be sure you understand that as a volunteer, you will not have your hand in everything your child does, or how the school operates.

One way to know for sure that you can be involved in the classroom is by selecting a parent cooperative preschool, which is designed to have parents serve as teacher assistants.

Annette Courcy, teacher/coordinator of Central Lutheran Preschool, a parent co-op, said this type of program is a good option for parents who want to stay actively involved in their child’s education, and they also help children make the transition into the school setting.

Carole Jevon’s twin daughters attended Learning Together Preschool, the only other preschool co-op in the area.

That co-op has been running for more than 30 years and was once linked with Yakima Valley Community College. Several years ago, however, Learning Together Preschool became independently owned and moved to the lower level of Mountainview Fellowship Church.

Jevons’ experience at the co-op was positive.

“As a parent, I loved participating in my daughter’s education,” says Jevons. “I learned so much as a parent about them. Because you work in the classroom with other parents you really become a family and look out for all the children.”

Jevons added that this team effort gives children a number of role models to learn from.

 

Central Lutheran Preschool. Central Lutheran Church, 1604 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima. Annette Courcy: Preschool teacher/coordinator: 509-575-6490. clcyakima.org/preschool.html

Learning Together Preschool. Lower level of Mountainview Fellowship Christian Church, 7105 Apline Way, Yakima. Bridget Carranza: Preschool teacher/program coordinator: 509-966-0733 or ltpkids@hotmail.com.

–Scott Klepach, Jr

 

Wondering what to do with your kids after the school day is over?

 

Being a working parent of school-aged children isn’t easy when school gets out in the early afternoon and the end of your workday looms much further in the evening – or even into the weekend. Take a look at this list for safe and fun after-school and weekend programs and youth drop-in centers.

 

KIDSCLUB State-licensed childcare program for ages 3-10 includes nutritional snacks, studying, games, gymnastics classes and crafts. Preschool curriculum offered for ages 3-4. Open from 6:45 a.m.-6 p.m. during the summer and school year. Other services include bus pickup and drop-off at the front door. Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah. 509-698-5437. selahgymkids.com

 

KIDS’ PLACE After-school program for students enrolled in grades K-5. Organized by Yakima Parks & Recreation and supervised by AmeriCorps members. Free. Call Karin Skone, 509-575-6114.

 

SATURDAY NITE LIVE Drop-in program for ages 7-15, in partnership with Yakima Valley Young Life. Swimming, sports, games and a Christian message. 7-9:30 p.m. Saturdays. Free. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima. 509-248-1202 or 509-961-9898. yakimaymca.org

 

SELAH YOUTH CENTER Open to students in grades 5-9 from 2-5 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year only. Air hockey, foosball, video games, movies, pool, arcade and “Homework All Stars.” Selah Youth Center, 93 Wernex Loop, next to the Carlon Park Tennis Courts parking lot. Free. 509-697-7529.

 

YAKIMA ATHLETIC CLUB KIDS’ CLUB Care for infants and toddlers, and a rec room for ages 6 and older. Foosball, air hockey, and games bikes. Call for rates, hours and other information. Yakima Athletic Club, 2501 Racquet Lane, Yakima; 509-452-6521. yakimaathleticclub.com

 

YAKIMA VALLEY LIBRARIES Various programs available for kids and teens during the summer and school year. Yakima Central Library (main branch). 102 N. Third St., Yakima. 509-452-8541. yvl.org

 

YMCA BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT (BASE) PROGRAM Open to students ages 5-12. Supervised latch-key programs focus on making friends, building relationships, leadership skills and staying active. Programs available from 7 a.m. until school starts, and after school until 6 p.m. Program available at Gilbert, McClure, Nob Hill, Terrace Heights, Whitney and East Valley elementary schools. Program fees vary. Contact Mikeal, 509-972-5251. yakimaymca.org

 

YMCA YOUTH DROP-IN CENTER Open to youth ages 7-15. Scheduled swimming and gym times, foosball, computer lab, movies, arts and crafts and more. YMCA membership not required. Supervised by YMCA Youth Department staff. Open during the summer and during the school year; call for hours. Free. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima. 509-248-1202. yakimaymca.org

 

YAKIMA POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE (PAL) Recreation room for ping pong, foosball, video games, pool, air hockey and arts and crafts. Friday Family Movie Night is another ongoing activity. Other programs offered through PAL include boxing, wrestling and field trips. After school program from 3:15-7 p.m. Yakima Police Athletic League, 602 N. Fourth St., Yakima. 509-575-6180. ci.yakima.wa.us/services/police/yakimaPAL/

 

Contact your local school district for programs and activities available at each school as well:

 

EAST VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT. 2002 Beaudry Rd., Yakima. 509-573-7300 or evsd90.org

 

SELAH SCHOOL DISTRICT. 105 W. Bartlett, Selah. 509-697-0706 or selah.k12.wa.us

 

UNION GAP SCHOOL DISTRICT. 3201 S. Fourth St., Union Gap. 509-248-3966 or uniongapschool.org

 

WEST VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT. 8902 Zier Rd., Yakima. 509-972-6000 or wvsd208.org

 

YAKIMA SCHOOL DISTRICT. 104 N. Fourth Ave., Yakima. 509-573-7000 or yakimaschools.org

 

Tutoring

 

A+ Advantage Point Lerning. Serves 23 local public schools in the Yakima, Union Gap, Selah and Highland school districts. Free tutoring services in reading and math to low-income students in their schools after school. Contact area coordinator Jeni Rice at 509-594-3180 for more information.

 

Avail Learning (formerly KnowledgePoints). Testing and diagnosis and individualized tutoring offered. Free services also offered. Call for hours and other info. Director: Maria Jett. Avail Learning, 1517 Summitview Ave., Suite 100, Yakima; 509-469-2544. availlearning.com

 

 

 

 

Yakima Adventist Christian School will host Open House March 3

Yakima Adventist Christian School will hold an open house from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3.

The open house will offer information on the school’s Kindergarten classes and other grades.

YACS is located at 1200 City Reservoir Rd. in Yakima. 966-1933. www.yacsschool.org

School Directory

Here is a handy guide to local preschools, Kindergarten programs, and other resources. We also have a guide to help you select the right preschool or Kindergarten program.

CHURCH-AFFILIATED SCHOOLS

Agapeland Preschool & Kindergarten | Preschool & Kindergarten, ages 3-5. Located at Selah Covenant Church, 560 McGonagle Road, Selah; call 509-697-6116 or visit selahcov.com. Three-year-old class meets 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, $68 monthly. Four-year-old class meets 9-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, $95 monthly. Pre-K (Barely 5′s) class meets 12:20-2:50 p.m. Monday through Thursday, $110 monthly. Kindergarten class meets 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, $150 monthly (for 10 months). Registration begins Feb. 1 for current students, and Mar. 1 for new students.

Calvary Lutheran Preschool | Preschool only, ages 3-4. Located at Calvary Lutheran Church, 11th and Harrison, Sunnyside; call 509-837-6771 or visit calvarylcs.com. Three-year-old class meets 12:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, $70 monthly. Four-year-olds have two options: Three-day class meets 9-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, $80 monthly. Five-day class meets 9-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday, $125 monthly.

First Presbyterian Church Preschool | Preschool only, ages 3-5. Located at First Presbyterian Church, 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima; call 509-248-7940 or visit firstpresyakima.com. Three-year-old class meets 9-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, $90 monthly. Four-year-old class meets 9-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, $120 monthly. Pre-kindergarten class meets 9-11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, $145 monthly. Your child must be 3 or 4 by Sept. 1 for the respective classes, and 5 by Dec. 31 for the pre-Kindergarten class. Registration opens Feb. 7 for fall classes.

Grace Lutheran School | Preschool (age 4) & Kindergarten, through grade 8. Located at Grace Lutheran Church, 1207 S. Seventh Ave., Yakima; call 509-594-0715 or visit gracelutheranyakima.org. Call to arrange a tour anytime. Now enrolling for 2011.

Mt. Olive Lutheran Preschool | Preschool (ages 3-5). Located at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 7809 Tieton Drive, Yakima; call Molly at 509-966-2190 or visit mtoliveyakima.org. New student registration 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 16.

Riverside Christian School | Preschool (age 3) & Kindergarten, through grade 12. Located at 721 Keys Road, Yakima; call 509-965-2602 or visit riversidechristianschool.com. Preschool class meets twice a week. Pre-kindergarten meets five days a week. An open house and Kinder Info Night will be held April 14.

St. John of Kronstadt Orthodox Christian School | Kindergarten through grade 8. Location: 706 Steward Street, Yakima; 452-0177. Online: stjohnkronstadt.org. An open house for prospective students will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 27. You can call to arrange a tour anytime.

St. Joseph/Marquette Catholic School | Pre-K & Kindergarten, to grade 8. Located at 202 N. Fourth St., Yakima; call Vicki Balmer at 509-575-5557 to schedule a tour or visit sjmms.org. Pre-kindergarten students must be 4 years old by Aug. 31. Program hours are 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Monday through Friday; call for tuition information. Hot lunch program and after-school care from 3:00 to 6:15 p.m. An open house for prospective students will be from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 3. Or, call to arrange a tour anytime. Add your name to the school’s waiting list now; admission for new students will begin in late February.

St. Paul Cathedral School | Preschool (4 years) & Kindergarten, through grade 8. Location: 1214 W. Chestnut Ave., Yakima; 575-5604. Online: http://www.stpaulsch.org/pages/St__Paul_Cathedral_School

An open house for prospective students will be held Jan. 27.

Wesley Preschool | Preschool only, ages 3-4 and Pre-K. Located at Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. 48th Ave., Yakima; call 509-966-2370. Also offers a “Stay N Play” extended day program. Registration begins Feb. 7 for fall classes.

Westpark Christian Academy | Preschool (3 years) & Kindergarten, through grade 12. Location: 3902 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 966-1632. Online: diversityexcels.org

Wonderland Preschool | Preschool only, ages 3-5. Located at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6015 Summitview Ave., Yakima; call 509-966-1900 or visit westpress.org. Three-year-old class meets 9-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, $95 monthly. Four-year-old class meets 9-11:30 a.m. M-T-W-Th, $115 monthly. Barely Five pre-kindergarten class meets 12:15-3:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday, $125 monthly. Registration starts Feb. 1 for fall classes.

Yakima Adventist Christian School | Kindergarten through grade 10. Location: 1200 City Reservoir Road, Yakima. 966-1933. Online: www.yacsschool.org
Open House 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 3, 2011. Education Day will be April 6 from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. with two Kindergarten sessions; preregistration is required. Prospective students will spend the day in a classroom and take assessment tests.

MONTESSORI

Montessori School of Yakima | Preschool (3 years) & Kindergarten, through grade 3. Located at Engelwood Christian Church, 511 N. 44th Ave., Yakima; call 509-966-0680 or visit msofy.org. An open house will be held 6-7 p.m. Feb. 1.

Oakridge Montessori School | Preschool (18 months) & Kindergarten, through grade 8. Located at 6403 Summitview Ave., Yakima; call 509-966-1080 or visit oakridgemontessorischool.com.

PARENT COOPERATIVES

Central Lutheran Preschool | Located at Central Lutheran Church, 1604 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima; call teacher Annette Courcy at 509-307-6272. Toddler program (ages 18-36 months) meets Monday mornings, $32 monthly; parent participation required each session. Preschoolers (ages 3-5) meets Tuesday through Friday mornings; students may attend two, three or four days a week, $60/$70/$80 monthly; parents required to volunteer at least three days a month. Preschool is friendly to children with food allergies. Open house week is Mar. 21-25; registration period follows.

Children’s Center Preschool | Located at Zillah Church of the Nazarene, 203 Miles Drive, Zillah; call coordinator Nancy Sealock at 509-829-6165.

Learning Together Preschool | Located at Summit View Church of Christ, 100 N. 72nd Ave., Yakima; call 509-966-0733 or e-mail ltkids@hotmail.com.

PRIVATE PRESCHOOLS

Gymnastics Plus Preschool | Located at Gymnastics Plus, 2121 West Lincoln Ave., Yakima; call 509-453-8126 or visit gymnasticsplus.net.

Kid’s Club | Located at 607 S. 36th Ave., Yakima; call 509-469-5437 or visit thelearningtree-uniongap.com.

The Learning Tree Children’s Center | Located at 3609 Tacoma St., Union Gap; call 574-5755 or visit thelearningtree-uniongap.com.

Selah GymKids Academic Preschool | Located at Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah; call 509-698-5437. Preschool class, ages 3 and 4, meets 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, $120 per month. Pre-kindergarten class, ages 4-5, meets 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, $155 per month. All-day child care available, ages 3-5; transportation and before/after-school care for older children.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Children’s Village Collaborative Lab Classroom | Located at Children’s Village, 3801 Kern Road, Yakima; call 509-574-3260 or visit yakimachildrensvillage.org. Serves children ages 30-58 months with social, emotional, communication and behavioral needs.

Special Education Preschool. Located at the Special Services department in the West Valley School District, 1000 S. 72^nd Ave., Yakima; call 509-965-2080 or visit http://www.wvsd208.org/ss/Preschoolcontacts.htm. Serves preschool children who may have delays in communication, language, motor skills, cognition, social interaction, and adaptive and self-help areas.

VIP Academy | Located at Catholic Family & Child Service, 5301 Tieton Drive, Suite C, Yakima; call 509-965-7100 or visit cfcsyakima.org. Pre-kindergarten program for children who need extra help with behavior and social-emotional skills.

CHILD CARE CENTERS

Working parents may want to consider a child development center that offers preschool curriculum in an all-day child care setting.

Carroll Children’s Center | Located at Catholic Family & Child Service, 5301 Tieton Drive, Suite C, Yakima; call 509-965-7104 or visit cfcsyakima.org.

Country Kids Child Development Center | Two locations: 641 N. Keys Road, Terrace Heights, call 509-453-8688; or 909 N. 21st Ave., Yakima, call 453-4462.

Kindercare Learning Center | Located at 5110 Summitview Ave., Yakima; call 509-966-8557 or visit kindercare.com.

YMCA Jewett Center | Located at 212 E. F St., Yakima; call 509-453-7897 or visit yakimaymca.org.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

East Valley School District | Full-day kindergarten. Registration at East Valley (573-7600), Terrace Heights (573-7800) and Moxee (573-7700) elementary schools will begin the week of March 21-25. To determine your school boundary, call the district office at 573-7300.

Naches School District | Half-day kindergarten. Naches Valley Primary School offers grades K-2. For more information, call 966-5050 or 966-7550 for Naches Valley Primary School, or 457-8592 or 653-2220 to reach the school district.

Selah School District | Half-day kindergarten. Parents may request enrollment at either John Campbell or Robert Lince elementary schools. A kindergarten orientation meeting will be at 7 p.m. May 2 at Robert Lince Elementary; registration begins May 4. For more information, call 697-0706.

Union Gap School District | Full-day kindergarten. Register at Union Gap School in April. For more information, call 248-3966.

West Valley School District | Full-day kindergarten. Registration begins Mar. 21-25 at your home school; to determine your school boundary, call the district’s transportation department at 966-2403.

Yakima School District | Full-day kindergarten. Registration begins Feb. 28-Mar. 4 at your neighborhood school. Students are required to attend their boundary school; to determine which boundary you live in, call Central Registration at 573-7024 or see the map at yakimaschools.org

GET Prepared to Save for Your Child’s College Tuition

Plan Now to Pay for Your Child’s College Tuition

By Scott Klepach, Jr.

Are you planning to send your little ones to college someday? Then now is the time to get with the program with the GET program – Washington state’s Guaranteed Education Tuition college tuition plan.

GET has been around now for 13 years to provide a way for families to save for college. As a 529 prepaid college tuition plan, GET allows parents to save money and make tax-exempt payments.

With rising costs in tuition each year – especially in the last several years of the economic recession – it’s a good time to get started saving early and wisely, said GET Program Director Betty Lochner.

“We encourage parents to save and not incur huge debt,” Lochner said, adding that tuition rates are “rising a lot faster than inflation and income, so now more than ever it’s really critical to keep up.”

Parents who enroll in the program purchase GET units which cover the cost of tuition. The value of these units remains the same whether a student attends school in Washington or heads out of state, and the units apply to public, private, and technical schools. Any leftover tuition can be used for books, housing, and expenses, or can be rolled over into another year.

Lochner said the program is stable, unlike some other investment options. “It’s not like investing in the stock market, where the risk goes to the participant.”

Lochner noted it’s better for parents to save when they are newborns or toddlers rather than put it off for later.

“Kids are growing fast; tuition is growing even faster,” she said. “Most families wait until middle school to start thinking about it, but it’s not enough.”

The enrollment deadline is March 31, 2011 to lock in this year’s rates. Enrollment will open again in the fall, but with the higher rates. Newborns may enroll year-round.

For more information, including charts of the cost of college over time, visit GET’s website at get.wa.gov. You can also call 1-800-955-2318 with questions.

Parents’ Guide to Preschool and Kindergarten

Parents’ Guide to Preschool and Kindergarten

By Scott Klepach, Jr.

When should your children start school? Where should they go?

After the toddler years (or even during), these are a couple of of the toughest questions parents have to answer. But rest assured, readers: there isn’t just one correct answer. Read here about your family’s options.  For a directory of preschool and Kindergarten programs and other options, click here.

Decisions, decisions…

To preschool or not to preschool? Some parents don’t enter their children into the school system until Kindergarten. Others know they want to start earlier. Your child might spend just a few short months in preschool, or as long as several years. Programs abound for various ages: from as young as 18 months to 5 years. Not all preschools offer the same program, and each one has a specific age minimum.

Here are ten things to consider as you conduct your planning:

10. The experience. Do you want lots of structure for your children, or more time for free play and association? Do you want them to be introduced to subjects they will learn when they move on, or would you rather have them in preschool for social transition? Do you want your child placed in a church-based institution or a secular one? Would you prefer a larger or smaller school? Public or private? Begin mulling these questions over well before deciding which school fits your expectations.

West Valley’s Becky Futrell decided not to send her daughter to a formal preschool. She and her husband set their sights instead on selecting a good Kindergarten program for her.

For Futrell, there were a number of factors to think about, but what stuck out was the safety and size of the school district.

“We just felt better about her being in a smaller district,” said Futrell, whose daughter attends Kindergarten in the Naches School District. “My main issue was I wanted to feel that where I was sending my child was safe and that I knew she would be in good care while away from me.”

Futrell said she would have loved to have more options, including a dual immersion program, which helps students learn a second language. “Unfortunately, in our area the schools that have this were quite a ways away.”

9. Special needs. From food allergies to Autism to physical disabilities, there are a few good reasons that you’ll want to make sure the school you choose is well-equipped to handle your child’s special needs.

With reports of food allergies on the rise, speak with teachers and administrators about how each school handles restricting common food allergens. You might need to submit your own food allergy emergency management plan, which you can download from the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network’s website at foodallergy.org.

If your child has special needs because of a physical disability or a learning disability, he or she will be evaluated by the school district to see if he or she meets the criteria. Areas of testing will include delays in communication and language, motor skills, social interaction, and others. Contact the school(s) you’re interested in to see what the process is early.

8. Money matters. Sometimes you can afford only so much for schooling, so check with your public school district to see what preschool and Kindergarten options are available to you. We have the list of public and private school options available on our website, playdateyakima.com.

Low-income families may qualify to attend federal-or state-funded preschools, including Head Start and ECEAP programs. These programs are free to students who meet the eligibility requirements; call your local school district or EPIC (248-3950) for more information. Find information online at wsaheadstarteceap.com.

Cooperative preschools (see number 7 for more info on this!) are generally one of the less expensive alternatives to other private school options.

7. Any volunteers? Sending kids to school for the first time is a huge step, for both kids and parents. Your child might enjoy having you around to help him or her ease into this transition to school life.

You, mom and dad, may also need some help with this change. Check to see if you can volunteer at the preschool or Kindergarten. At most schools, volunteers can do all sorts of things, from assisting in the classroom to fundraising, cleaning, transporting and organizing events. You won’t know until you ask.

Just be sure you understand that as a volunteer, you will not have your hand in everything your child does, or how the school operates.

One way to know for sure that you can be involved in the classroom is by selecting a parent cooperative preschool, which is designed to have parents serve as teacher assistants.

Annette Courcy, teacher/coordinator of Central Lutheran Preschool, a parent co-op, said this type of program is a good option for parents who want to stay actively involved in their child’s education, and they also help children make the transition into the school setting.

6. Timing is everything. In addition to geography and the commute time, think of the time of day the school runs. At this age you probably know how well your child can adapt to a new schedule, so take into account what your child will be comfortable with so he or she can get the most out of these early school years.

5. Location, location, location! Your dream school might not be as feasible as you wished. Perhaps the commute is too far away, and your schedule simply won’t allow you to place your child there.

Location will be a major factor for parents in choosing a preschool. If you can spare the extra few miles and minutes each day, then go ahead, but be sure you plan accordingly.

Depending on where you live, you might not only be bound to a certain school district for a Kindergarten program, but you may or may not have a choice which school your child will be enrolled in.

4. The early bird gets to be the bookworm. If you’re thinking of enrolling your child for preschool in the fall, you’ll need to plan ahead by about six months, if not sooner.

In fact, once the warmth of spring arrives, you might be too late. Don’t wait! Call the prospective schools on your list to find out information on enrollment and registration, so you can secure a spot for your child.

3. Check out an open house. Perhaps the best advice a parent can receive (as I have recently found out) is to do more than just scour the phone book or this magazine’s listing of preschools and Kindergarten options.

Call a few places early to see when open houses are available, and attend as many as you can if you’re uncertain. A school might look great on paper, but being there on site might tell you more than anything else and will help you greatly in making a decision.

2. Take a tour. If you can’t attend an open house – or even if you do – it’s also a good idea to reserve a tour of the preschool or Kindergarten you’re inquiring about.

A tour will allow you to ask questions you might not have been able to at an open house, and you can talk specifically about your child’s needs. Meeting with teachers and administrators and seeing how students react to them in the actual educational setting will give you a great sense how your child might fit in.

“Take a tour, and 15 to 20 minutes there will tell you more than anything else,” says Elizabeth Fitzgerald, who is the chair of the board of directors, as well as administrator and manager of St. John of Kronstadt Orthodox Christian School in Yakima, which offers grades K-8. “You’ll see the school, the teachers and how students react.”

Local public schools also offer tours.

1. The more, the merrier. No one said you have to settle for the first school on the list, or even the first school you’ve taken a tour of. If anyone does say that to you, then kindly disregard their words and do yourself and your child a favor, and invest enough time and research to make sure you make a careful, educated decision.

“The advice I give to parents is to go to two to three places,” said Courcy, of Central Lutheran Preschool in Yakima. “Your gut will always tell you what will work best, and work well with your philosophy, and what’s best for your kids.”

KINDERGARTEN

You should also get an early start if you’re registering your child in Kindergarten. If your child turns 5 by Aug. 31, be aware that many schools begin Kindergarten registration in March.

When you go to register, be sure to bring a copy of your child’s birth certification and immunization records, along with proof of address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.

Since each child is a little different, how can parents know if their child is Kindergarten-ready? Thanks to Ready by Five and the Yakima School District, parents can view a checklist that offers measurements and benchmarks to decide if their child is ready for that big step.

Here are some good questions to help you out. Can your child…

• say and recognize names, both in verbal and written form?
• verbally identify objects and places?
• articulate thoughts and emotions in complete sentences?
• repeat rhymes and songs and come up with his or her own rhymes?
• recognize numerals 0-10 and count to 20?
• detect familiar signs and symbols (i.e. road signs, store names, and brand names).
• recognize the alphabet and identify many letters?
• use a pencil and scissors properly?
• demonstrate an understanding of shapes, colors, and sizes?
• use the toilet and exercise proper washing techniques?
• be away from parents and home for a significant period of time?
• listen to adults and work well with friends or peers?

It’s important to have conversations with children and have fun with words and language. Be aware that your children are going to learn most of their information from you, the parents, so be sure to practice your own correct language and encourage them to read and talk in a variety of creative and interactive ways.

If you’re still not sure if your child is ready, you might consider enrolling your child in a Kindergarten-readiness program.

Ready by Five, in conjunction with the Yakima School District, provides a Kindergarten Transition Program (KTP) to help in this area.

“Teachers know what kids need to have, but sometimes the communication isn’t always there,” said Elizabeth Mendoza, the coordinator of community outreach with Ready By Five.

She added Ready By Five is available to reach children before they enter the K-12 system.

“Every child learns at a different pace,” said Mendoza, noting the suggested steps a child should have already made before entering Kindergarten will not be universal. “Some will be beyond this, and some won’t. At least now [parents] have a base, or something to start with.”

Ready By Five’s KTP brings teachers and students together two weeks before the school year starts to get the kids acquainted with the school environment and facilities so they will be ready to learn on day one.

“Kids learn how to hang their coats, carry lunch trays, and find the bathroom,” among other things, said Mendoza. “It gets the tears out before school actually starts, to help alleviate anxiety.”

Another resource:

For interactive fun and learning, head to LiteracyCenter.Net, which is the Early Childhood Education Network’s website. There you’ll find educational games and exercises to help your child get a firm grasp on letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and more!

Recommended Books

Here are a couple of titles that might help your little one ease into the change that comes with heading into Kindergarten:

• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
• The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing and Julie Durrell

For information on one way to save for our child’s college tuition, check out the Washington State GET Program.

Ready By Five: New Home, More Offerings

Ready By Five: New Home, More Offerings

Scott Klepach Jr.

In September, Ready By Five moved to its new location at 414 N. Third St. in Yakima. Its new site allows more space for its “Kaleidoscope Play & Learn” and “Creative Families Play & Learn” groups within its own facility. The new location provides three rooms for the Play and Learn program, and a new community room has been created especially for parents and other adults to converse or gather for private meetings.

The new building also houses a computer lab for computer classes. Thanks to a $379,000 federal Migrant Education Even Start (MEES) grant that Ready By Five received last summer, the lab will also allow for English as a Second Language and computer literacy classes for both children and parents.

“It’s a community initiative,” said Elizabeth Mendoza, Ready By Five’s coordinator of community outreach. “There are so many people involved, so many moving parts.”

The Lending Library will soon be fully operational and open to the public, and will offer books, toys and games all tied to a specific curriculum.

Ready By Five provides a Kindergarten Transition Program (KTP) to help parents determine if their child is ready for kindergarten and to offer suggestions to get them prepared.

“Teachers know what kids need to have, but sometimes the communication isn’t always there,” said Mendoza. She added Ready By Five is available to reach children before they enter the K-12 system.

“Every child learns at a different pace,” said Mendoza, adding that the steps a child should have made before entering kindergarten will not be universal. “Some will be beyond this, and some won’t. At least now (parents) have a base, or something to start with.”

With the move, Ready By Five can hold events at nearby Miller Park, which will be handy come springtime. By then, the organization’s staff is hopeful that their plans of building a community garden on site – so children can grow flowers and vegetables – will be well under way.

For information on all of Ready By Five’s services and programs, call 509-454-2493 or visit readybyfive.org.

• Kaleidoscope Play & Learn groups emphasize thematic, structured and interactive play, and are open to everyone. Meets every Monday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and Friday from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
• Ready By Five’s Lending Library hours are now set for Mondays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m.; and the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Parents in Action meets once a month. Contact David at 509-853-1105 for more info.
• Story hour in partnership with Catholic Family Child & Service, held at the Yakima Valley Museum the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. Free. 509-853-2052.

Time to Pick a Preschool

By Sara Bristol

More than any other subject, this is the story Playdate readers have asked for: help choosing a preschool.

It would be easier if I could just point you toward the best one, but that’s not the way this story goes. There are too many variables, and plenty of good choices.

Instead, I’ve culled some advice and information about the different types of preschools we have in the Yakima area and what kind of questions parents should ask. I’m pretty sure this decision isn’t going to be crucial to your child’s future at Harvard, but you’ll want to choose a preschool that’s safe and suits your family’s expectations, choose a school that you feel good about. Asking other parents for recommendations is a great way to start.

• First order of business: Yes, the time to sign up for preschool is now. Maybe I’m a little thick, but it didn’t occur to me in February that I should be enrolling my knee-high child in school for the fall. Was this in that “All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten” book? Must have missed that chapter.

Anyway, if you’re thinking about registering for school in the fall, get it done in the spring. Call right away to see if the schools on your interest list are hosting an open house.

• Plan to visit more than one school, and go when the kids are there. Yakima mother “Pete” Jacobson scheduled visits with several schools before enrolling her 5-year-old son, Luke, in a blended preschool-kindergarten class at the Montessori School of Yakima.

“The kids looked so happy,” says Pete, who didn’t know much about the Montessori method. “We couldn’t help it. The kids were just so happy there.”

• Consider schedule and location. Preschool programs typically meet two to five days a week for about three hours. You’ll want to consider your child’s ability to adapt to the schedule, as well as what you’re going to do in that brief window between the car pools.

• Do you want to be involved? For Sandra Simmons, there was no other option: “I just really wanted to participate,” says Sandra, whose 4-year-old daughter, Lily, attends Children’s Center Preschool, a parent cooperative in Zillah. “It’s really fun.”
At the Zillah co-op, as well as the Central Lutheran and Learning Together cooperative preschools in Yakima, parents are required to volunteer several days in the classroom each month and also attend parent meetings.

“You get to be very involved in your child’s day,” says Annette Courcy, teacher at Central Lutheran Preschool. Also, she adds, “the families that you meet and are together with in preschool remain very close family friends throughout your child’s entire school years.”

Many traditional preschools encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom. At others, parents are welcome to observe but may be seen as a distraction in the classroom.

Of course, working parents may not be able to participate and may need a program that offers before- and after-school care. Be sure to ask what options are available at the schools you’re considering.

• How old is your child? In Yakima, Oakridge Montessori School accepts children as young as 18 months and Central Lutheran Preschool offers a Monday morning toddler program for 2-year-olds. Many schools offer preschool programs for both 3- and 4-year-olds, often in separate classrooms. Some schools also offer a “prekindergarten” program for older 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds who will start kindergarten the following year.

A few programs, including the Montessori schools, offer mixed-age classrooms that allow children to stay in the same room for several years. Mixed-age classrooms are designed to let children learn at their own pace, and also encourage older students to help their younger cohorts.

• How much can you afford? Low-income families may qualify to attend federal- or state-funded preschools, including Head Start and ECEAP programs. These schools are free to students who meet the eligibility requirements; call your local school district or EPIC (509-248-3950) for more information.

Cooperative preschools are generally one of the less-expensive options. Be sure to consider volunteer hours and snack contributions when calculating your true costs.
Also, keep in mind that fees are typically proportionate to the number of days a child attends, i.e. daily programs tend to cost more than twice-weekly programs.

• Does your child have special needs? From food allergies to physical disabilities, you’ll want to make sure the school you choose is well-equipped to handle your child’s needs.

Elise Cardenas, a former preschool teacher, has been very happy with her son’s developmental preschool for children with speech and hearing problems at Yakima’s Whitney Elementary.

Gabe, now 4, suffered seizures as an infant that led to delays with his speech and language comprehension.

“I really felt like he needed some sort of preschool, but I didn’t feel like there would be very many teachers who could handle somebody like him,” says Elise, who learned about the Whitney class through Children’s Village.

• What are your expectations? “We are helping the child learn to love school more than anything else,” says Central Lutheran’s teacher Annette. Her program is designed to familiarize children with classroom routines, learn to get along with their peers and have fun.

“We throw a little bit of academics in there, too, but we feel the socialization and desire to learn are the most important.”

A couple years ago, Danielle Polage pulled her son Kyle from one preschool because she felt there was too much work.

“A big, big no for me is worksheets,” says Danielle, a cognitive psychologist and professor at Central Washington University. “If people tell me worksheets are coming home, that’s not the school for me.”

Look at the art, she suggests. “If I see my kid’s project coming home perfect, I know they didn’t do it.”

Danielle’s daughter Elyse attends Mt. Olive Lutheran Preschool. She likes the school’s balance of fun and learning, which includes hands-on science projects as well as Bible stories and songs.

“The No. 1 thing for me is to make sure the kids are having fun,” says Danielle. “Some people like complete structure and that their kids walk in complete silence and straight lines.

“I’m not like that,” she says. “Silly and messy are my No. 1 priorities for preschool. At some point, school becomes boring. And I want to prevent that from happening as long as possible.”

For more information about Yakima-area preschools, visit click here.

WV co-op preschool registration set for Tuesday

Learning Together Preschool, a parent cooperative, is hosting an open house and registration meeting from 3-6 p.m. Sept. 8. Parents can drop in anytime during the session to register and tour the classroom.

Learning Together Preschool, formerly affiliated with the YVCC Parent Education Program, is located in Mountainview Chistian Fellowship, 7105 Alpine Way, the corner of Summitview and 72nd avenues in Yakima. Mountainview donates classroom space to the independent program; the preschool formerly was located in the Church of Christ across the street.

Enrollment for the 2009-10 school year is open to students ages 3-5. Class meets from 9-11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Three- or four-day programs are offered.

The program offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that promotes the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of young children. The program supports parents in their role as primary caregivers and teachers of their children.

As a parent cooperative preschool, parent involvement is required and includes assisting in the classroom three times a month, attending parent meetings and committee work.

For more information, call 966-0733.

Selah offers state-funded preschool

Selah School District is registering students who will be eligible to attend a state-funded preschool program this fall. The Washington state Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) offers free preschools at both Robert Lince and John Campbell elementary schools for children who live in the district and will be 4 years old by Aug. 31, and who meet eligibilty guidelines.

Morning and afternoon classes are offered Monday through Thursday during the school year. For more information, call 697-0693 or 697-0731 (Spanish).

Similar programs are offered through Yakima School District (573-2885) and West Valley School District (452-0212).

It’s time to sign up for kindergarten

When you think of sending your little guy to school in the fall, you might not think of registering him in the spring. However, if your child turns 5 by Aug. 31, take note: Many schools begin kindergarten registration in March.

When you go to register, be sure to a copy of your child’s birth certification and immunization records, along with proof of address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.

Here’s a round-up of kindergarten registration information for Yakima-area school districts:

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

East Valley School District | Full-day kindergarten. New this fall, East Valley Intermediate will become East Valley Elementary. Registration at East Valley (573-7600), Terrace Heights (573-7800) and Moxee (573-7700) elementary schools will begin the week of March 23-27. To determine your school boundary, call the district office at 575-7300.

Selah School District | Half-day kindergarten. Parents may request enrollment at either John Campbell or Robert Lince elementary schools. A kindergarten orientation meeting will be at 7 p.m. May 4 at John Campbell Elementary’s Sunset Gym; registration begins May 6. For more information, call 697-0728.

Union Gap School District | Full-day kindergarten. Register at Union Gap School in April. For more information, call 248-3966.

West Valley School District | Full-day kindergarten. A district-wide informational meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 19 at Cottonwood Elementary. Registration begins March 23-27 at your home school; to determine your school boundary, call the district’s transportation department at 966-2403

Yakima School District | Full-day kindergarten. Registration begins March 2-6 at your neighborhood school. Students are required to attend their boundary school; to determine which boundary you live in, call Central Registration at 573-7024 or see the map at yakimaschools.org.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Agapeland Preschool & Kindergarten | Preschool (3 years) through kindergarten. Location: 560 McGonagle Road, Selah. 697-6116. Online: selahcov.com

Grace Lutheran School | Preschool (4 years) through grade 8. Location: 1207 S. Seventh Ave., Yakima; 457-6611. Online: gracelutheranyakima.org
An open house for new students will be from 1-5 p.m. March 22. Or, call to arrange a tour anytime.

Montessori School of Yakima | Preschool (3 years) through kindergarten. Location: 511 N. 44th Ave., Yakima. 966-0680. Online: msofy.org

One mama shares why she loves Montessori

By Debbie Vuillemot

We are the parents of 4 children: Orion,7; Anais, 5; Elias, 3; and Akira, 1.

When Orion was 3, we were overwhelmed with how many choices there were for preschool. We started off in a twice-weekly church preschool and quickly realized he needed more stimulation. One of my co-workers told me about Montessori School of Yakima (MSY) where her child attended.

Read more….

Oakridge Montessori School | Preschool (2 years) through grade 8. Location: 6403 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 966-1080. Online: oakridgemontessorischool.com

Riverside Christian School | Preschool through grade 12. Location: 721 Keys Road, Yakima; 965-2602. Online: riversidechristianschool.com

St. Joseph Marquette Catholic School | Pre-K through grade 8. Location: 202 N. Fourth St., Yakima; 575-5557. Online: sjmms.org
An open house for prospective students will be from 5-6:30 p.m. Feb. 5. Or, call to arrange a tour anytime. Add your name to the school’s waiting list now; admission for new students will begin in late February.

St. Paul Cathedral School | Preschool (4 years) through grade 8. Location: 1214 W. Chestnut Ave., Yakima; 575-5604.

Westpark Christian Academy | Preschool (3 years) through grade 12. Location: 3902 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 966-1632. Online: diversityexcels.org

Yakima Adventist Christian School | Kindergarten through grade 10. Location: 1200 City Reservoir Road, Yakima. 966-1933. Online: www.yacsschool.org
Education Day will be April 9; preregistration is required. Prospective students will spend the day in a classroom and take assessment tests.

One mama shares why she loves Montessori

By Debbie Vuillemot

We are the parents of 4 children: Orion,7; Anais, 5; Elias, 3; and Akira, 1.

When Orion was 3, we were overwhelmed with how many choices there were for preschool. We started off in a twice-weekly church preschool and quickly realized he needed more stimulation. One of my co-workers told me about Montessori School of Yakima (MSY) where her child attended.

The focus is hands-on, concrete learning by the child and child-driven choices from activities made available by the teacher. Teachers are trained to observe the child and provide what the child needs at any given time, changing as the child changes. This education technique was developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, who became interested in the plight of children and changed her career focus to understanding the true nature of the child. She was also active in the women’s rights movement in the early 1900s and was an advocate for peace.

The classes are set up in three-year age spans (3-6 yrs and 6-9yrs) so children can learn from each other as well as from an adult. The adult serves as a guide to help children learn to do tasks by themselves. In preschool and kindergarten, lessons are given individually to the child and then the child can choose which “work” to engage with during the day. There is also music, circle time (or triangle or square time), books and games. In the elementary class, the children learn in a more social setting and lessons are usually in small groups. The child self directs but does have requirements in standard academic areas.

The great thing about the Montessori way is the spill over to our home. We hear the way the older children teach the younger ones when we listen to their play. In recent conversations between our 5 year old and 3 year old: “Let’s count our fruit snacks. Now eat one and let’s count again.” “I say a word, now you rhyme it.” “Elias, did you have a lesson today?”

The other thing we love is community. We’ve developed friendships with other families and their children who are all learning in the same way.

MSY is non-profit and has been in operation for more than 40 years. All of the teachers are Montessori certified — and wonderful! Before- and after-school care is available. There are four preschool/K classrooms and one first-through-third grade classroom. Parents are part of the board. Visitors are always welcome by appointment. Call 966-0680. We’re located in Englewood Christian Church at 511 N 44th Ave in Yakima. Website: www.msofy.org

Debbie Vuillemot is a mother of four, professional midwife and serves on the board of the Montessori School of Yakima.