By Nina Johnson
Kids’ Corner Preschool provides educational opportunities to pre-kindergarteners and high school seniors alike. While preschoolers enjoy activities planned using Indiana State Standards, a staff of select Carmel High School seniors earn experience in early childhood education.
The program has a long history of success at CHS.
“I know it has been there long enough that some of the parents were preschoolers in the program,” said Director of Kids’ Corner Kim Lenzo.
Students pursuing child-related careers must qualify through coursework and teacher recommendations to work at the preschool. Students are CPR and first aid certified through the Hamilton County Health Dept. and the classroom instruction qualifies for Ivy Tech Community College credits.
“Kids’ Corner was a significant learning experience for me as the teacher and for the preschoolers,” said Paige Kelsch, former CHS student teacher and current Indiana University undergraduate.
Located in Carmel High School, the Kids’ Corner facilities include multiple learning centers and a schedule that corresponds with the school calendar. Preschool sessions run every other weekday from 12:15 to 2:40. Tuition costs $350 for the year.
Daily activities include constructive play as well as outdoor free time, field trips and media presentations. Families are invited to observe the Kids’ Corner program in a one-way observation room and visits, calls and questions are welcomed.
Lenzo encourages parents to enroll children turning four by Sept. 1.
“There are (now) openings,” she said. “Parents can call my home number, 569-8984, if they are interested.”
Research by Dr. W. Steven Barnett, director of the National Institute for Early Education Research, has concluded that, “Children who attend high-quality preschool enter kindergarten with better pre-reading skills, richer vocabularies, and stronger basic math skills than those who do not.”
Parents can also email Lenzo at [email protected]. with questions or to request an application. Detailed curriculum descriptions are available on the website at http://myccs.ccs.k12.in.us/chs/kids-corner.