Center offers program for kids

The program is for children between preschool and kindergarten.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Jewish Community Center of Youngstown announced the Fall 2006 opening of a program for 4- to 6-year-old children called Pre-K Plus.
Offering "a step above" preschool, this program is specially designed for children who have already completed preschool but may not be emotionally or academically ready for kindergarten, according to Christine Hughes, center spokeswoman.
Additionally, the Pre-K Plus program would benefit any child who was born in June or September and/or who may have missed the September 30 birth-date cutoff for kindergarten, she said.
"Many times when children are not prepared for kindergarten, they are 'held back' and spend another year in preschool, where they are forced to repeat the same curriculum that they already completed as a 4-year-old," explained Lesley Orlando, teacher and coordinator of the Pre-K Plus program.
The curriculum of the Pre-K Plus program features a strong emphasis on writing, making and sighting words, table work, completing work pages and increasing attention levels. Additionally, this highly structured program features a strong emphasis on academic readiness and the skills needed for success in kindergarten.
Orlando has 11 years' experience as a teacher in preschool, kindergarten and first grade.
Starting on Sept. 5, children will attend the Pre-K Plus program five days per week, for full or half days. Registration is now open. For more information, contact Kaye Doran at (330) 746-3251, Ext. 119; or Orlando at (330) 746-3251, Ext. 101, or by e-mail at lorlando@jccyoungstown.org; or visit www.jccyoungstown.org.