The word is out ... preschool is in

A new preschool in Ottawa is full of children and in full swing after beginning last fall.

“It is just great,” Carol Mallicoat, teacher of USD 290’s at-risk preschool for 4-year-olds, said. “The word gets out. We replace them as quickly as they leave.”

Last year, the school district received a nearly $100,000 grant — which is renewable each year — from the Kansas Department of Education to begin the program for 36 children.

Students must live below the poverty level, live in a foster home or with a single parent or meet at least one of a handful of other requirements to be eligible to enroll.

“It’s such a wonderful opportunity for these kids,” Mallicoat said. “Without this program, most wouldn’t have an opportunity to attend a preschool.”

Mallicoat, with the help of two para-professionals, teaches 18 children in the morning session and another 18 in the afternoon at Lincoln Elementary School. She said the main goals are to prepare the children for kindergarten and also work with families to ensure student success.

Parents meet with Mallicoat once a month, and families have a monthly family festival night in which they eat and do activities together, Mallicoat said. She said parents and “guest readers” also participate in classroom activities.

“It’s great how friendships have been built,” she said, adding that she’s enjoyed connecting and communicating with parents.

Mallicoat said her preschoolers already are making progress.

“The kids are doing a great job,” she said. “They’ve settled in so nicely.”

Mallicoat said she has high expectations for classroom behavior and keeps each day “very structured but fun.”

In addition to the academic basics, children also learn how to listen and share, and Mallicoat said she’s trying to cultivate a love of learning and a willingness to try new things and take risks.

“Those important roots will enable them to grab hold of school and take it by the horns, year after year,” she said.

Mallicoat said she’s been pleased with the program so far and with the support she’s received from Lincoln and the school district.

Thinking ahead to next school year, Mallicoat said she plans to do a preschool round-up and doesn’t anticipate having any problems filling her classroom.

“I hear nothing but positive comments,” she said. “We will fill up very easily.”

Herald staff writer Jodie Garcia can be e-mailed at jgarcia@ottawaherald.com.