A lesson on independence

Grundy County Preschool’s Parent Educator Shirley Thorson provided parents the opportunity to better understand their preschooler’s development and potential.

Coal City District 1 Social Workers Cealy DePersia and C.J. Dziuban gave the educational presentation at this month’s Grundy County Preschool parent meeting. Their presentation was provided at Grundy County Preschool’s three locations, which include Coal City Early Childhood Center, White Oak Elementary School in Morris and Minooka Junior School.

DePersia and Dziuban discussed potential independent skills that 3- and 5-year-olds are capable of achieving as they journey through their preschool years. They identified safe, age-appropriate ways to achieve and practice these skills through everyday activities, like home chores, routine self-care, routine petcare and exploring their community’s social opportunities for preschoolers.

DePersia and Dziuban emphasized that participating in these various activities helps preschoolers gain a sense of achievement and contribution, as well as sense of accomplishment and usefulness. This leads to building the self-confidence necessary to promote independent skills.

Discussion and sharing of ideas followed the presentation. Parents and their children were treated to ice cream, cookies and punch after the presentation. Door prizes were drawn for the children. Grundy County Preschool parent meetings give families an opportunity to join together in an interactive and educational setting, to share parenting ideas and to gain support.

Grundy County Preschool provides services to children, ages 3 to 5, throughout the County. The program provides a creative learning environment that encourages the social, physical, emotional and intellectual growth of each child. For more information, call (815) 931-2182.