Two components of Evenstart, Early Childhood Education and Adult Education, fit together and run simultaneously. While parents are in an adult classroom studying, preschool children attend class where they are taught fundamentals of education and learn important socialization skills. Younger infants and toddlers are in a separate area where developmentally appropriate activities are provided. Breakfast and lunch are provided for all family members enrolled in the program.
Even Start is off to an incredible start. So far this year, four of Neptune’s adult students have earned their GED. One of those recent graduates, Christina Welton, mother of three, found the program convenient for her childcare needs, and says it changed her life. “This program has helped me get the courage to get my GED and succeed. This program means so much to me,” Welton said. “I’m going to go on to school at Tri County Tech and get in the nursing program.”
Another recent GED graduate, Jason Schapannsky, said how grateful he was his preschool child attended Even Start because he was diagnosed with a speech disability. “We caught it early because he was here in the preschool class and now he’s already working with a speech therapist and will continue with that next year when he’s in pre-kindergarten.”
Other parents agreed that not only do their children love attending the preschool activities, but that the program is building a solid foundation for the further education of their children. Parents commented on being more involved with their children’s education, speaking with their teachers, reading to their children more often, and having set high goals for their children’s educational success.
More than just earning the GED, adult students enjoy the companionship and support of other parents. Recently the group made a baby quilt and had a shower for one student. Classrooms follow weekly themes and feature activities for parents and child together time, field trips, special speakers, job readiness skills and parenting education. The program focuses on life and parenting skills. Students study a banking unit, income tax unit, career exploration, basic cooking and sewing among other things.
“It is just incredible for me to watch these students gain confidence as each day goes by,” Neptune said. “To see a student’s self esteem increase, it changes everything about them. I love it. This is an awesome program.”
The Even Start program has been offered by Bartlesville Public Schools for the past four years. Applications for the program can be picked up at Jane Phillips or Oak Park Elementary Schools, or call Karen Kerr, program coordinator, at 336-4655.