The Camden Central School District took a huge step in its plans to expand early childhood programming as it hosted the first-ever meeting of the District’s Look at Me, I’m Three! program on Wednesday, November 16th.
This free, exciting new program is for children who will turn three years old on or before December 1st, 2022. It is part of the District’s Birth-to-School Initiative, which aims to provide appropriate educational opportunities from birth to age five.
These opportunities, including Look at Me, I’m Three! will promote child development and school readiness. Look at Me, I’m Three! was created to build familiarity with the school setting while providing a play-based learning and socialization opportunity for students who are eligible to start pre-kindergarten during the next school year.
It also provides the chance for students and families to meet elementary-level staff members and build relationships long before a child reaches school age. Parents also get the opportunity to meet one another.
“Our goal with Look at Me, I’m Three! Is to get the children and the parents/guardians comfortable with the school environment and to be excited about coming to school,” Program Director Patti Ferretti said. “It allows parents/guardians to ask questions about any concerns they have and get a look into what their child will look like in school. We feel this is a great way to transition the children and their families into pre-kindergarten.”
Approximately 20 students attended the inaugural meeting held at Camden Elementary School. To start off, students participated in “Play Centers” to break the ice and create a more comfortable environment for each student.
The session moved to the carpet, where students and staff worked through a mindfulness exercise.
The evening’s guest reader was Camden Elementary School principal Craig Ferretti. Mr. Ferretti led the group in a reading of “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus”. That reading became the theme for arts and crafts time, as students made paper pigeons and had a healthy snack.
The evening concluded with some free play time.
Mrs. Ferretti felt that the program’s opening meeting lived up to expectations for students, staff, and families. She also expressed excitement for its future.
“We were extremely happy with the turnout and with how well the children did,” She said. “This environment allowed parents/guardians the opportunity to give as much or as little support as they needed to, which lowers the anxiety level for everyone.”
If this program sounds like a good fit for your child, and they fit the age requirement, contact Patti Ferretti at pferretti@camdencsd.org for information on future sessions.