Whether parents want to prepare a child for preschool or wrap up the school year for current preschoolers on a high note, Sunflower Diversified’s Incredible Years Preschool may be the answer.

          Enrollment is open now for the four-week Summer Fun Program at Incredible Years, 1312 Patton, Great Bend. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children as soon as possible, said Cathy Estes, Sunflower children’s coordinator.

          “Our summer program is a good opportunity for youngsters who have never attended preschool to be introduced to playing with others and enhancing their attention span,” Estes said. “In addition, parents tell us that our preschool is so exceptional that they want their child to be here the extra month.”

          Summer Fun for children ages 3-and-a-half to 5 runs from June 1-26 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Classes for younger preschoolers, starting at 2-and-a-half, go from June 2-25 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

          Everyone attends from 8 to 11 a.m. and participates in classroom and playground activities. A snack is provided.

          “This is good exposure to fun and learning without a lengthy time commitment,” Estes said. “The little ones develop so quickly and need to be active. Summer Fun will channel their energy and curiosity into activities that help them grow and develop.

          “Since we don’t follow our regular school year curriculum, this program is conducive to individual learning and expression,” she added. “Creative play is proven to be a key factor in development of cognitive skills, which will help children throughout their lives.”

          Even though summer preschool doesn’t adhere to the routine of the school year, there is structure, Estes emphasized. Topics this summer are farm, circus and ocean.

          For example, when children are introduced to letters, the letters will be associated with the names of farm animals during one program segment. There also will be theme-related art and music projects, with an emphasis on imagination and creativity.

          “Parents tell us that the short time commitment and the quality of the program are important to their families,” Estes said, noting this is the sixth year for Summer Fun. “The younger kids get a taste for preschool and become excited about the fall session. And the older ones think this is a real highlight to wrap up the year.”

          Tuition is based on a sliding-fee scale according to income.

          For more information or to enroll a child, contact Incredible Years Director Shari Schneider by calling 620-792-4087.