From within the sanctuary of the old junior high school library is a playful wonderland for children aged three and four, where the Clearview School Board runs its Stettler Start Right Playschool.
Now into its third year, the playschool's purpose is to help pre-Kindergarten children be ready for a school setting while teaching fundamental skills through fun, explained Kate Syson, Elementary School vice-principal.
Between the various stations, which include a play kitchen, building blocks, rice tables and literacy items, students also get play time in a gymnasium and storytime in both the library and the classroom.
The program replaced the Early Learning Program after studies showed the program was not accomplishing what the school board needed it to, Syson added.
"Studies showed that youngsters needed more exposure and readiness for the school setting," she explained. "So the playschool does that, encouraging learning through fun."
Syson and fellow playschool teacher Karen Meyer hosted a parent night on Tuesday, Sept. 6, with open houses the next two days, depending on whether children attended playschool on Wednesday or Thursday.
"It was all well attended," Syson noted. "We had about 30 parents at parents night, and over the two days we had about 45 kids go through."
The playschool is almost at full capacity, but there are still a few spaces open, Syson noted. The cost to parents is $50 a month per child for a twice-a-week playschool experience, or $60 for a three-day. Parents interested in enrolling their children in playschool can phone the school at 403-742-2235 during school hours and ask to speak with Syson or Meyer.
"The parents just love it," Syson concluded.