The folks at Sterling House extended the invitation and Incredible Years Preschool took them up on it. And now preschool staff members hope they can return with the children every couple of months.
“The Sterling House residents were so happy to see the children,” said Shari Schneider, Incredible Years director. “They enjoyed the songs and the one-on-one interaction after the performance.
“The fringe benefit is that our little ones learn so much from this type of interaction,” Schneider continued. “Many children are shy in new situations and this helps enhance the social skills they will use throughout their lives. It is gratifying to watch them learn how to behave appropriately and visit in a new environment.”
Since some children do not have older people in their lives, this was an ideal avenue for learning from another generation, Schneider added.
“They learned that Sterling House residents don’t live in their individual homes right now, but reside together in one home,” Schneider said. “As we continue our visits, we believe the preschoolers and the residents will form meaningful relationships.”
The youngsters’ singing repertoire included Fly Little Bats and Five Little Pumpkins, in observance of the recent Halloween season.
Incredible Years Preschool, 1312 Patton Road, is owned and operated by Sunflower Diversified Services; it is open to all children ages two-and-a-half to 5. Tuition is based on income.
For more information, call 620-792-4087.