Opportunities for Chenango, Inc. has partnered with the Afton Central School District to provide Universal Pre-Kindergarten programming for 16 children in the Afton Community since the 1999-2000 School Year.

The Pre-K Classroom is located in the Kindergarten wing of the Afton Central School, providing continuity for children who’s siblings also attend classes in that building and who will go to Kindergarten there in the fall. Many siblings bring their younger brothers and sisters to Pre-K or stop by to visit during the morning.

Pre-K children have an advantage in getting acquainted with school personnel and daily systems, as well as the opportunity to take part in school district activities such as: Morning Program, listening to stories and borrowing books from the library and swimming.

An extra special bonus is the use of the outdoor playground. Pre-K parents have been involved in raising money to help with the cost of some smaller size equipment to add to the existing area.

The strength of the Afton Pre-K is the dedicated staff. Ms Tracie Kot, Pre-K Teacher/Coordinator, and Ms. Marlene Utter, Classroom Assistant, provide a high quality Early Childhood Program that helps children master skills in letter and number recognition, attending and listening to stories, learning the names of the days of the week and the months, cutting and drawing, writing words, getting along with others and cleaning up after themselves.

A Little Tikes Young Explorers Computer was added to this classroom during the 2003-2004 program year. Children take turns on it every day and are enhancing their skills and knowledge.

Children who are one year before Kindergarten age and who live in the Afton School District are eligible for the Pre-K Program. For more information, or to apply, call the school at 639-8200, ask for the Pre-K classroom and talk with Tracie Kot, Teacher and Pre-K Coordinator.