Post by title1parent on Aug 9, 2011 5:42:31 GMT -5
SciTech will establish preschool to educate youngsters through exploration, discovery
By Stefanie Frazier
For The Beacon-News
Last Modified: Aug 9, 2011 02:13AM
AURORA — The SciTech Hands On Museum will offer something new for the area — and possibly the nation — with its SciTech Discovery Preschool.
The school, opening next month for children ages 3 to 5, will focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics — for preschoolers.
According to Cheryl Newman, director of SciTech Discovery Preschool, her research only found one similar preschool in America, at a program in California.
“I feel like a typical preschool program could do a lot more introducing science and math concepts at a younger age,” Newman said. “And it’s very exciting to be able to offer that opportunity to the kids who will come here.”
Carol Rehtmeyer, executive director of SciTech, expressed enthusiasm about the new school for children expected to open Sept. 12. She pointed out that a STEM-based program is different.
“A typical preschool from the age that we’re engaging ... rarely engages children in true learning the way we will,” Rehtmeyer said. “(They) are more of a daycare or babysitting service. This is not that. This is a pure school institution for a unique and special group of 36 kids ... who really seek that level of learning and stimulus.”
Newman spoke of a full-plate agenda for the little ones’ first year at preschool.
Classifying animals is one lesson. Students will know exactly what a mammal and reptile are and how to categorize birds and fish.
Newman said that the students will classify “mystery animals” like a platypus.
“Kitchen chemistry” will be anther discovery lesson.
“Everybody knows if you mix vinegar and baking soda, it makes a big mess,” Newman said. “They’ll learn why.”
The school will also provide hands-on opportunities to learn.
“Children … don’t learn the same way as older children learn,” Newman said. “They need to be involved. They need to touch and explore.”
Students will use materials like lemons, ice cubes, puzzles, books and games to understand ideas.
A playhouse area will seemingly magically transform into a doctor’s office when children find out about the human body, or become a chemistry lab when discovering chemistry.
Once a week children will take music and Spanish classes. Students will be able to practice art and computer skills, too.
And when it’s snack time, the young ones will dine on “amazing” fresh fruits and veggies provided by an organic chef.
“We want all of the food to be organic and healthy and, of course, kid-friendly,” Rehtmeyer said.
Newman said that enrollment is around 30 students. Capacity is 36 students and will be split in half for morning and afternoon classes.
Cost of enrollment is $1,200 per month, which includes before and after care.
Angela Nwalie, a Montgomery resident, is considering enrolling her 2-year-old son Kenneth child in the STEM program.
“That would give him a good headstart for the future,” Nwalie said.
For information, visit scitechmuseum.org/discovery-preschool.
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Copyright © 2011 — Sun-Times Media, LLC
By Stefanie Frazier
For The Beacon-News
Last Modified: Aug 9, 2011 02:13AM
AURORA — The SciTech Hands On Museum will offer something new for the area — and possibly the nation — with its SciTech Discovery Preschool.
The school, opening next month for children ages 3 to 5, will focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics — for preschoolers.
According to Cheryl Newman, director of SciTech Discovery Preschool, her research only found one similar preschool in America, at a program in California.
“I feel like a typical preschool program could do a lot more introducing science and math concepts at a younger age,” Newman said. “And it’s very exciting to be able to offer that opportunity to the kids who will come here.”
Carol Rehtmeyer, executive director of SciTech, expressed enthusiasm about the new school for children expected to open Sept. 12. She pointed out that a STEM-based program is different.
“A typical preschool from the age that we’re engaging ... rarely engages children in true learning the way we will,” Rehtmeyer said. “(They) are more of a daycare or babysitting service. This is not that. This is a pure school institution for a unique and special group of 36 kids ... who really seek that level of learning and stimulus.”
Newman spoke of a full-plate agenda for the little ones’ first year at preschool.
Classifying animals is one lesson. Students will know exactly what a mammal and reptile are and how to categorize birds and fish.
Newman said that the students will classify “mystery animals” like a platypus.
“Kitchen chemistry” will be anther discovery lesson.
“Everybody knows if you mix vinegar and baking soda, it makes a big mess,” Newman said. “They’ll learn why.”
The school will also provide hands-on opportunities to learn.
“Children … don’t learn the same way as older children learn,” Newman said. “They need to be involved. They need to touch and explore.”
Students will use materials like lemons, ice cubes, puzzles, books and games to understand ideas.
A playhouse area will seemingly magically transform into a doctor’s office when children find out about the human body, or become a chemistry lab when discovering chemistry.
Once a week children will take music and Spanish classes. Students will be able to practice art and computer skills, too.
And when it’s snack time, the young ones will dine on “amazing” fresh fruits and veggies provided by an organic chef.
“We want all of the food to be organic and healthy and, of course, kid-friendly,” Rehtmeyer said.
Newman said that enrollment is around 30 students. Capacity is 36 students and will be split in half for morning and afternoon classes.
Cost of enrollment is $1,200 per month, which includes before and after care.
Angela Nwalie, a Montgomery resident, is considering enrolling her 2-year-old son Kenneth child in the STEM program.
“That would give him a good headstart for the future,” Nwalie said.
For information, visit scitechmuseum.org/discovery-preschool.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2011 — Sun-Times Media, LLC