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Early Ed Center, Incredible Years schedule playgroups, screenings
new slt playgrounds
Wylder Wilkinson enjoys water play, one of several activities included in the upcoming Fun in the Sun event. (file photo) - photo by COURTESY PHOTO

            Two upcoming events at Sunflower’s Early Education Center and Incredible Years Preschool will allow children and parents to participate in fun activities and take advantage of screenings for developmental milestones.

            There is no charge for either event.

            The Fun in the Sun playgroup is designed for children birth to age 5 and their parents; at least one parent must attend. It is scheduled for 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 18 at 1312 Patton in Great Bend.

            “We hope families will join us for some water fun in our kiddie pools,” said Shari Schneider, preschool director. “We will offer other activities too and provide a snack. Parents and children can interact with one another and their peers, while getting acquainted with other families.

            “It is also a great opportunity for the public to meet our teachers, discover what we have to offer and tour our facilities,” she added.

            Fun in the Sun is a come-and-go event. Participants are asked to bring swimsuits, towels and sunscreen. In case of inclement weather, activities will be moved indoors.

            Registration is not required.

 

Aug. 1 event

 

            In addition to a playgroup for children birth to age 5, free developmental screenings will be available on Wednesday, Aug. 1, for those ages birth through 2.

The playgroup will meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m., with activities, free play, music and a snack. Screenings will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

            Schneider strongly recommends that families make appointments for the free screenings, which take a total of about 30 minutes. Drop-ins are still welcome.

            The screenings will focus on speech, motor skills and social/emotional milestones, as well as hearing and vision. Children 6 months and older will be screened with Sunflower’s electronic Spot Vision equipment, which the Lions Club donated.

            “We encourage families in central Kansas to take advantage of these tests,” Schneider said. “It is so important to identify a delay in development as soon as possible. Many delays can at least be alleviated and many can be overcome.

            “The screening results will help families identify a child’s strengths and needs,” she added.

            For more information or to schedule a screening, call 620-792-4087.

            Sunflower Diversified Services owns and operates the Early Education Center and Incredible Years Preschool. Its service area includes Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. The non-profit agency is in its 52ndyear.