Registration for the Bennett Family Center kindergarten program at Penn State for fall 2015 is open for public enrollment.
“The Bennett Family Center kindergarten program provides a unique environment that weaves in the performing and fine arts as a basis for curriculum,” says Heather Kimble, the center director. “The program celebrates each child as an individual and provides activities and experiences that support all areas of development.”
The ratio of teachers to students is two certified early childhood/elementary school teachers per, a maximum, of 20 kindergartners. The program is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
While the school day is officially 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., students can arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. and stay until 5:45 p.m., participating in activities before and after the official school day. Students are provided breakfast, a hot lunch and a snack.
“One of the great things about the Bennett Center is before- and after-school programs are built into the day,” Vanada says. “There is continuity of care with the same teachers here with the students before, during and after school. These days, a lot of parents do not have the luxury of being done with work at 3:30 p.m.”
Vanada has worked for Penn State’s child care program for 18 years, teaching kindergarten for the last 13. Fellow kindergarten teacher Wendy Haslet has taught at the Bennett Family Center since 2002.
The classroom is part of a laboratory school setting. Interns from the College of Education and College of Health and Human Development support the program by offering their knowledge of the latest research and innovative teaching techniques.
By combining kindergarten curricula with the arts, children in the Bennett Family Center kindergarten program learn multiple perspectives, complex problem solving, qualitative relationships and constructive ways to analyze complex topics.
“Along with adhering to state standards, our integrated arts curriculum is primarily made up of a variety of philosophies and learning approaches that challenge children to think creatively and critically,” Haslet says. “It is exciting to know that research indicates children who learn in creative ways, score better in reading and math.”
For example, when teaching addition and subtraction, Haslet and Vanada have students dance on a number line, allowing the children to see the addition and subtraction as they dance. Students also learn about lines and shapes from an artistic standpoint, which leads into learning how to write the alphabet.
“Kindergarten programs need to have their children fully involved, not just do work where you sit down at a desk. They need to be moving their bodies and connecting to their work,” Vanada says. “Just watching the kids grow over the year is so amazing to me and watching them begin to make connections through the arts.”
Enrichment activities include performances at the Center for Performing Arts at Eisenhower Auditorium, events through The Palmer Museum of Art, music classes directed by faculty and graduate students in the Department of Music, and a collaboration with the art education program at Penn State.
Children also learn to honor each others’ differences and value their shared similarities as human beings. A child’s experience in the classroom lays the foundation for the love of learning and a willingness to explore, which will ensure a lifetime of academic success.
The school only closes for weather conditions when the university closes. A summer program is also offered between June and August, which includes swimming, performances, library trips and walking trips around campus and in downtown State College.
The kindergarten enrolls a maximum of 20 children. Parents can call the center directly at (814) 865-4057 or email Heather Kimble, center director, at hmo106@psu.edu to set up a tour.
“I always encourage families to visit. You’ll feel it. You can feel if it’s the right fit for you or not. I encourage families to check things out. They know their children best,” Vanada says.
Eligible students must have turned 5 by Feb. 1.
Click HERE for more information.
Popular Stories:
Local Catholic Schools See Large Enrollment Increase
Penn State Basketball: Late Call Swings Game As Nittany Lions Fall 76-73 To No. 19 Maryland
Elementary School Students Hop, Skip, and Jump For Heart Health
An Accidental Valentine’s Day Success Story
Frostbite Dangers Loom, Temperatures To Hit 30 Below Zero
Curley, Schultz Appeal Judge’s Decision To Not Dismiss Charges
Pa. Supreme Court Denies Petition from Centre County District Attorney
Emotional Funeral Service Honors State College Police Officer
Penn State Hockey: Program Generates Profit In First Year At Pegula Ice Arena
