Parents who want to take advantage of the comprehensive curriculum at Incredible Years Preschool are encouraged to enroll their youngsters soon, Director Shari Schneider said.

            Enrollment for the fall semester, which begins Wednesday, Aug. 17, is now open to children ages 2-and-a-half to 5. Space is limited.

            In addition, Incredible Years, 1312 Patton, has scheduled an open house for 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15.

            “We hope parents take advantage of our early enrollment,” Schneider said. “We encourage them and others interested in our preschool to join us for the open house too.”

            Sunflower Diversified Services, a non-profit agency, owns and operates Incredible Years. Its hours are 8 to 11 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m.

            Because of the success of a new addition to last year’s curriculum, it will be expanded this year.

            “Zoo Phonics has been a great addition to our program,” Schneider said. “It promotes understanding, memory and utilization in all areas of early learning. Zoo Phonics is used in reading, spelling and writing, and we present the information in a playful and useful manner.

            “During our first year, we quickly discovered that the children learned the letter sounds faster than we anticipated,” Schneider elaborated. “The fringe benefit is the youngsters enjoy the active learning style.”

            The local Pilot Club should be commended for some of this success, Schneider noted.

            “This great organization paid for the Zoo Phonics training for three teachers and for the materials that come with it,” she explained. “The Pilot Club, and the many businesses and individuals that donate to our Invest in Kids Club, have been invaluable assets to Incredible Years.

            “Without the support of this generous community, we would not be able to serve children and their families as effectively,” Schneider added.

            Tuition is based on a sliding-fee scale, making preschool accessible to more families. Often, Schneider said, families must choose to send their children to preschool for fewer days to make it affordable.

            “However,” she noted, “at Incredible Years, children in each age group attend the same number of days, allowing the same opportunities to learn.”

            Hearing and vision screenings also are offered, along with a healthy breakfast and snack.

            “In addition, with our teacher-to-child ratio, we provide more small group activities and one-on-one support,” the director commented. “Our staff also collaborates with community partners such as Sunflower’s Early Education Center and Helping Hands Preschool to provide screenings and evaluations, and continued services as needed.”

            Incredible Years focuses on the Kansas Early Learning Standards and a curriculum that includes: free play; social/emotional development; language, literature and communication; arts and sciences; and physical development.

            Heather Quillin, Sunflower children’s services coordinator, said the preschool has three highly trained teachers who have worked many hours this summer preparing for the fall semester.

            “Our teachers are planning for a fun and influential school year for their students,” Quillin said. “Each teacher has incredible knowledge about early childhood development and works closely with families to ensure every child meets developmental milestones.

            “When a concern arises,” she continued, “Incredible Years teachers help families find the services their children may need through our community partners.”

            For more information, contact Schneider by calling 620-792-4087.