By Meghan McCormick
July 26, 2008 12:29 am
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Norman Public Schools has expanded its Bright Beginnings Academy to include two more pre-k sites in the fall.
Steffani Allen, NPS director of early childhood education, said La Petite Academy at 1950 E. Alameda St. and 3300 W. Robinson St. will introduce pre-k to 4-year-olds in August. Pre-k programs are already in place at NPS' 15 elementary schools along with Bright Start Early Education Center, McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Daycare and Sonlight at First Baptist Church.
"In an outreach effort, we developed the Bright Beginnings Academy," Allen said.
Several years ago, district administrators wanted to offer pre-k curriculum in off-campus sites that give childcare to families, Allen explained. That's when Bright Beginnings Academy was formed.
"Our goal is to co-plan with childcare givers of 4-year-olds so that all of us have the same focus on the kids," Allen said.
Jana Cornelius, director of the La Petite Academy on Alameda, said the partnership will benefit both children and parents. Four-year-olds at La Petite will receive a daily pre-k lesson without leaving the building.
Cornelius said the childcare center doesn't offer a mid-day transfer service to take children to school or bring them back. In the past, a parent or the caregiver has been in charge of taking the child to school and then bringing the child to the center.
"I think it's going to be a wonderful opportunity because they won't have to transfer," she said.
Cornelius said children will receive what NPS and La Petite call "wrap around" education. They will learn NPS' pre-k curriculum for 2 1/2 hours and also receive a lesson from La Petite's faculty.
"This way they get advantages of both programs," she said.
The director expects adding pre-k to the schedule will increase the school's enrollment. At this time, the plan is to limit classes to 15 students.
Cornelius said the staff is busy getting classrooms ready for the first day of school set for Aug. 21. New equipment has been purchased for the kids.
"We want it to be really special for them," she said.
Kathy White, director of the La Petite center on Robinson, said she supports adding NPS' pre-k program to the education experience to La Petite.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to partner with them," she said.
White said she informed parents back in the spring about the changes that were coming.
"We are excited about our collaboration with Norman Public Schools Bright Beginnings Program in both Norman La Petite programs," White said. "It's a win-win situation for children, parents and the community."
Allen said the Norman school system has entered into a one-year contract with each of the learning institutions.
She said all centers except for La Petite on Robinson will offer one class in the morning and another in the afternoon. The Robinson Street location will hold only a morning session.
Allen said pre-k has a capacity of 740 children. So far, 626 slots have been filled. Parents are welcome to enroll children at any BBA site.
She said parents can call Jill Eddington at 573-3548 to inquire where space is available.
According to the Bright Beginning Academy Web page, students must be 4 years old by Sept. 1 to enroll. Enrollment will be at each site separate from NPS enrollment.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com
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