SPRD launches new preschool program

Sisters Park & Recreation District business manager, Anne Heath, has worked hard to make sure the needs of the community are being met. So when she received a call from desperate parents about a sudden loss of childcare for their children, Heath wanted to help.

This wasn't the first time she was approached by parents looking for childcare for their kids. When Sisters Elementary School (SES) cut the all-day kindergarten option, there was a need for a quality program.

"Parents came to us and asked for a full day of kindergarten, and if we could develop an enrichment program that could fill in what students wouldn't get in the half-day program at Sisters Elementary School," said Heath. "I gave them my standard response - form a committee with five of your friends who are interested in the idea and give me a proposal I can look over."

Heath has been successful in building new programs by following her time-tested method.

"It creates sustainable programs," she said. "There's more than monetary value, there's ownership, pride and an emotional commitment and that spreads to the community."

The parents did what Heath suggested, and the new class was planned.

"We developed a complementary program to what is already happening at SES," She said. "The class began at the beginning of the school year."

There is a morning and afternoon class; each one has no more than nine students per teacher. The classes have filled fast as word spread.

"We have one opening left in the morning session," said Heath.

Recently, when the local childcare business Duck Duck Goose closed its doors, parents were left with limited options for childcare. Parents took turns providing care for each other's children, but a long-term solution was needed, and fast. They approached Heath and she asked them to form a committee and bring her a proposal. The parents came back and presented their proposal to the SPRD board of directors. SPRD created a fully licensed program; although the license wasn't required, it was important to Heath to have one.

In both cases, the parents were the interview and hiring committee along with SPRD staff.

"I believe the parents made excellent selections," said Heath. "They selected the best, most qualified people for the positions."

For their part, parents commended Heath for orchestrating a smooth transition for parents and students.

"We were thrilled with the reception as well as the leadership of Anne Heath, for what appears to be a real community need," said Brad Tisdel, parent advisory committee leader. "The preschool enrichment program is off to a great start and we are excited about the teacher and to see the growth and development of the program in working with our kids."

The kindergarten sessions are taught by local educator Katie Estvold. Meghan Pallister of Redmond was hired to teach the preschool enrichment program.

"She met all the state's standards to be a qualified teacher," said Heath.

The Preschool Enrichment Program teaches the elemental concepts of natural and social science, music, art and literacy preparation. There are outdoor adventure experiences, sports activities and games. The preschool program has seven spaces available. Currently, there are nine students in the program.

Classes follow the Sisters School District calendar. The class runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. with aftercare available from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages for the class are 3-5 years old.

For more information or to register contact Anne Heath at SPRD 541-549-2091 or e-mail [email protected]