By Mikki Campbell

Lollipop Lane preschool

CENTERVILLE – Parents have expressed some confusion as to what is going on with four year old preschools. Preschools will continue to be privately operated but will receive their funding from the state.

Lollipop Lane is run by an appointed board. The money is handled by the public school. Each private preschool subcontracts with the public school.

Lollipop Lane has decided to move from the St. Mary’s basement into the St. Mary’s school building for next year. Mrs. Kaster’s preschool is also located there.

Mikki Campbell will teach the four year olds, and Cheryl Johnson will teach the three year olds. Campbell graduated cum laude from Truman State University. She has 19 years experience and has been with Lollipop for four years. Her program is DHS licensed and follows the Iowa Quality Public Preschool standards. Curriculum is state approved following early childhood standards.

A typical day at Lollipop Lane begins with large group time where the calendar and weather are discussed as well as a group lesson being taught.

Next comes small group learning related to the lesson. A large motor activity time come next, followed by a story and a snack. After snack time, children are free to play at centers where they develop many skills. Lunch and rest follow while listening to different types of music.

After rest, a small group learning takes place, followed by large motor time on the playground. Children then have snack and another center time.

To finish the day a large group activity is held.

Lollipop will have two classes: Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be before and after school programs available as well as breakfast and lunch through the public school.

Registration began Monday, May 19 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is on a first come, first serve basis. Children must be four by Sept. 15.