The Little Folks Nursery School, located in Princeton on Old Hedley Road is in need of support both financially and through enrolment.
“Enrolment has gone down over the past few years,” said Michaela Rhyno, president of the Little Folks Nursery School Society, “We definitely have room for more.”
Currently the school has only 35 students. Classes at the nursery school run for 1 to 5 days per week (your choice) from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Subsidies to assist with cost may be available, visit www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/eligibility.htm for more information.
Little Folks Nursery School Society is a non profit organization run by a board of directors. It is not financed by the government or by the school district.
The building that houses the nursery school is owned by the Town of Princeton.
The society is responsible for ‘running the business of the school’ — including paying the utilities and wages.
“The costs of running the school are more than what is coming in,” said Natasha Smith, board member who is very concerned the school may have to close.
The current board consists of president Michaela Rhyno, vice president Alicia Gush, secretary Melissa Gibson, treasurer Linette McClellan and fundraising chair, Natasha Smith.
“We are reaching out to the community, said Rhyno, “We are looking for support, ideas and information, anything that could help us.”
Little Folks Nursery School Society was formed in the late 80’s. The current teacher, Mrs. Sandy Yee has been teaching at Little folks since 1998.
“Sandy is top-notch, excellent at what she does,” said Smith, Rhyno and Gush in praise of Yee.
The teaching staff is made complete with Pam Thomas – Supported Child Development Consultant and Tamara Sill, substitute teacher.
The children participate in numerous outdoor and indoor activities while in class at the pre-school. Centre time includes learning about nature, library time and music. Circle time includes calendar, weather and interactive story time. Jolly Phonics, letter and number recognition and arts and crafts time are also part of each day. Little Folks provides a transition into Kindergarten, complete with a readiness report prepared by Sandy Yee.
Classes cost about $15 a day. A child can be sponsored for a 2 day per week program for $120 per month.
If you are interested in enrolling your child or have ideas or information that can assist the society please call Little Folks Nursery School at 250-295-3083.
Smith, Rhyno and Gush feel this program is of benefit to the community. They believe it provides an emotional foundation and is the transition tool for a great education for all children.
