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What's on their mind? Adults get a kids' eye view
Preschool-aged children at the Fort Scott Preschool Center welcomed about 50 community members into their little worlds this week.
In celebration of Week of the Young Child, sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and observed annually April 22-28, educators at the preschool center invited city officials and employees to spend time with some of Fort Scott's younger citizens.
Celebrated at the center for the past three years, the week aims to bring more awareness to early childhood education.
Early childhood special education and preschool teacher Andrea Scott said the first few years in a child's life are fundamental for learning.
Inviting members of the community into the school throughout the day gave the preschool a chance to showcase its programs.
"Some people just think we're a daycare and we're not," Scott said.
Throughout the week, community members representing every spectrum and department of public service, joined the children for breakfast, lunch and other activities.
"We're going to be having a police officer join us for lunch today," Scott told the children in her class, who signified their acceptance with cheers and clapping.
On Thursday afternoon, Fort Scott Police officers situated themselves at small round tables for lunch in attempt to blend in.
During his third visit of the week, Lt. Travis Shelton settled himself into a random child-sized chair and prepared to share lunch with children in one of the center's three classrooms.
Shelton actively participated in conversations with youngsters at his small table while lunch was served by other children in the class called "kitchen helpers."
"Oh, I'm having a blast," Shelton said of his experience. "This is my second time here today."
The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs, the NAYEC website said. This year's theme is the "Early Years Are Learning Years."
Preschool educator Janice Schlichting said people aren't always aware of what the center offers and what the children do.
"It gives them (community members) an opportunity to see kids being really successful," Schlichting said.
Fort Scott Preschool Center serves 90 children between 3 and 5 years old, free of charge. The state provides funding for the center , which caters to Head Start, special education and at-risk children.
Not to mention the kids enjoy it, she said.
"They love it," Schlichting said. "They love new visitors."