Tolland Cooperative Preschool Marks the Fifth Anniversary of Its Kindergarten Program

The Tolland Cooperative Preschool celebrated the fifth anniversary of its prekindergarten program during the class’ final day of school on June 14.

The program, one of three offered at the nonprofit school, is designed for children who are age-eligible for kindergarten, but will benefit from another year of preschool instruction.

The 12 young graduates celebrated the end of the year with an ice cream social and a sing along with their parents, according to teacher Lynn Joy. Although Joy said she tried to keep the final day running as normally as possible, the children have been preparing for the big transition to kindergarten for a couple of weeks.

“We’ve talked about how we’re comfortable at school and how we’re happy being at school together,” Joy said. She explained that activities like visiting a kindergarten classroom and reading the Eric Carle book “A House for Hermit Crab” have painted the move in a positive light.

“We discussed how they’re like the hermit crab,” Joy said. “They were getting too small for their shell.”

The school’s prekindergarten class has ensured that its students are ready to tackle the challenges of next year with its uniquely designed program. According to Principal Patricia Byam, it’s the only program of its kinds in the area.

Joy explained that the program fosters more opportunities for social interaction and to learn through play. The children can also draw in journals and pursue reading and writing at an individually tailored level.

Parent Amy Blanchard, whose four children have either attended or currently attend the school, said that the prekindergarten program does an excellent job preparing the children.

“I think the best thing about it is that it wasn’t just another year of preschool. It challenged them by making them make their own choices. It fostered more independence and confidence,” she said. “They’ve blossomed in the class.”

Joy’s students will always have a way to remember Tolland Cooperative with their ABC memory books, filled with pictures of field trips, activities and memories. Joy gets her own keepsake, as well. Each of her students worked with their parents to create pages to place in her own memory book.

“It was very touching,” she said.

The prekindergarten program is relatively new and small, with classes ranging in size in past years from 7 to 13 students. Given its success, however, Joy is certainly ready to take in more young students.

“I’m willing to increase the numbers, if there’s a need,” she said.

The Tolland Cooperative Preschool is located on Tolland Green and runs programs for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds, in addition to the prekindergarten program. The students’ parents are heavily involved in the school’s organization and have the opportunity to influence their child’s education. Those looking for more information can call the school at 860 872-8883 or send an email to tollandco-op@att.net.