Watch out Emeril Lagasse and Rachael Ray!
by LYNN BEGIN
along with CLIFF AND NANCY HILL
The Child Development Lab (CDL) Preschool is a popular and unique 36-week program offered every school year. This well-received preschool is held in a ground floor wing of the Rockford High School (RHS) with its own private entrance and fenced outdoor playground. Warm and nurturing teachers, with degrees, who provide a kindergarten-readiness curriculum, staff the CDL
The CDL encourages curiosity, a love of learning, and the development of kind friendships in a safe and secure environment. This “state of the art “ program focuses on literacy, discovery, art, nature, field trips, and special events.
One such special event recently held on Thursday, November 17 was a “Slurping Soup Grandparents Day” where the 3 and 4-year old classes became “cooks” as they helped to peel and chop the potatoes and carrots, and snap green beans—all necessary ingredients for a hearty and delicious vegetable soup.
While the soup was simmering Grandparents arrived and the children, in an hour of fun, led their “papas” and “nanas” throughout the classroom while playing with their favorite toys.
The beautiful brisk fall day came to a close as everyone sat down to slurp soup in the warm and cozy CDL preschool room. The kids unanimously agreed that Grandparents are “soup-er”!
Parents considering enrolling their preschoolers in future CDL classes will be encouraged to know that RHS students play a valuable role in the CDL classroom. As part of the curriculum for their high school child development class, parenting class, or living skills class, high school students learn about various aspects of a young child’s development. From an observation room they are able to observe and explore positive guidance techniques and activities for preschoolers before they, too, can begin to interact with the young children. The interactions between the high school students and the children allow the preschoolers to receive additional attention as the high school students work with the children and use their newly learned knowledge in a realistic situation with the ever-present support of the preschool staff. It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved!
For CDL information or class enrollment contact Rockford Community Services at: www.rpssignmeup.com or call 616-863-6560.
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