Our wonderful Iris Family Preschool has done it again, offering local preschoolers the chance to attend the school’s extended aftercare program which offers up to three hours of coverage any weekday or multiple weekdays. Available now through June 5, the new program invites children ages 2 and up to attend along with enrolled preschool students, something that was not possible in the past. 

This is all thanks to Carol Paster and her incredible team who have been busy rethinking ways the school can meet the changing needs of area families. For sure, offering area children the opportunity to explore a broad variety of activities and interests, including science, art, woodworking, cooperative games and cooking, is one great way to do it.

The timing was perfect, too. The preschool’s “planting seeds” programming, which began in September, features monthly theme-centered activities and events, and January is the month of “planting seeds of new beginnings,” just like opening up the wonderful world of TSTI to even more youngsters gives the new families and the preschool a fresh start in 2020.

Lauren Byers, young family coordinator for the preschool, shared the rest of the year’s topical yet age-appropriate themes which include:

February: Planting seeds of community partnerships – volunteering at the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges)

March: Planting seeds of appreciation for preschool families, teachers, clergy, support staff and the TSTI community, not to mention a very special celebration Carol’s 30th anniversary as early childhood education director – so keep your eyes out for more information on ways the entire TSTI community can celebrate with her!

April: Planting seeds of equality, which will feature Passover celebration

May: Planting seeds of presence, with a focus on mindfulness, with exercises led in the classrooms by Bela Barbosa, the school’s social and emotional learning consultan

June: Planting seeds of learning – a moving-on celebration and end-of-year show of gratitude to the preschool faculty and staff, Paster, and TSTI clergy

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about extended aftercare or the preschool in general, there will be an open house on Sunday, January 26 at 2:00 p.m. featuring resident song leader, Shawn Fogel. At that time, parents can tour the school, and meet Carol and some of the teachers. To register a child for extended aftercare or for the open house, contact Carol Paster.