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Advance RIV School begins new preschool program Thursday
The opening day of the 2015 school year is a proud one for the Advance RIV School system, as it marks the beginning of a brand new preschool program in a new facility, made possible by a nearly half-million dollar state grant.
In 2014, the RIV School District purchased the former Advance Learning Center building, a licensed pre-school facility built in 1997. The building, which had recently been used as a daycare, was completely renovated to accommodate the new pre-school program.
Initially, 20 three and four-year-old students will be served by the program, but Superintendent Stan Seiler hopes to expand the reach of the program to include as many as 40 of the 97 district children who might qualify for it.
Educational studies, such as the Perry Preschool Study, have shown the positive long-range effects of early childhood education. The Advance program curriculum will be based on the "Project Construct" Program, whereby children are prepared for kindergarten through "structured play."
Superintendent Stan Seiler explains the process: "This program was originally developed by the 'Romper Room' lady. The children begin by learning 'what' and 'how'; then this learning is formalized into sounds, letters, and numbers."
The Perry Preschool study followed the progress of 123 children for over 40 years, measuring the difference between those who had received preschool training and those who had not. By the time the subjects were 40 years old, it was determined that 77 percent of the program subjects had graduated high school, compared to only 60 percent of the non-program subjects. Those in the program had significantly higher earnings and IQ levels and had been in less trouble with the law. They simply were more successful than those who were in the non-program group.
The Missouri Preschool Project (MPP) has certain requirements, including tuition, which is based on a sliding scale that depends on the family's qualifications for the free and reduced lunch program. A meal is also required: Advance will serve breakfast, lunch and a snack, since the program lasts all day.
The teacher, Misty Clark, is well-qualified, having taught kindergarten in Carthage, MO for five years.
Jennifer McLeary, who has a Child Development Associates (CDA) degree, will be Clark's assistant. McPherson, a Zalma graduate, has worked in the center under several previous directors.
Clark, a SEMO graduate, is from Dexter and credits her decision to go into teaching to her first grade teacher, Mary Ann Simmons.
"I never wanted to be anything other than a teacher," says Clark. "I'm very excited about beginning the school year here in Advance."
Though there is a short waiting list for enrollment, Superintendent Seiler urges parents to call the elementary school (722-3564) or the superintendent's office (722-3581), if they would like to enroll their child. Sometimes there is an opening, when families move to another district.
"I want to thank all our workers who helped make this new project possible," Seiler added. "We had to do more work on the building than we originally thought we would. Roy Metcalf helped repair the doors and ceiling. John Rhodes, Randall Rhodes, and our maintenance crew were great. Now we're ready for a new year!"