Preschoolers get a Head Start at Patterson library branch

PATTERSON — The St. Mary Parish Library hosted its first “Jump Start to Head Start” program Wednesday for children entering Head Start or pre-K.
Head Start programs support the mental, social and emotional development of children from birth to age 5. This year marks Head Start’s 50th year anniversary.
“I thought it would be beneficial for children just entering the school system,” said Lisa Wilson, Patterson Library branch manager, “to get a feel of what a day of school activity would consist of, so we wanted to either introduce them to or have a refresher of the basics — color, numbers and alphabet.”
Three-year-old boys counted aloud the number of hats on a card and spelled numbers together with Wilson.
“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, n-i-n-e. That spells the number nine,” Wilson said.
The rumbling sound of thunder distracted one student, while emerging Head Starters called out colors of images on the board.
Kaiden Tarleton turned to his mother and said, “You hear that?”
She responded with a yes. He immediately returned his attention to Wilson and continued counting.
The branch manager set up an area of the library as a mock head start classroom environment.
“I wanted the children to experience a structured setting like they would have in the classroom, so that’s why it’s really designed for those who are entering the classroom setting for the first time,” Wilson said.
“It’s to introduce and give them the experience of what it would be like to actually have to go in a classroom, sit, and participate in things covered at their level.”
Tyler Mingo, a 3-year-old boy entering Head Start, contemplated the placement of his magnetic alphabet on the board. When adults attempted to help him, he asserted his independence by motioning his hand for them to move away.
Some parents nervously observed their child, realizing their first day of school starts soon.
“Watching them follow directions and participate in activities without the assistance of a parent is kind of scary, but it’s a good introduction to Head Start,” said Darrell Williams, father of twins Davin and Devin. “I think they’ll do well.”
“The program was enriching for the kids,” said Keisha Tarleton, mother of Jaiden. “I didn’t think he would pay attention like he did.”
After singing the alphabet song with a loud cheer and applause, students went outside to experience sitting on a small school bus.
“We wanted to get a bus similar to Head Start buses for children who will be riding the bus for the first time so they could get the experience of what it’s like to be on a bus and behave,” Wilson said.
“Some kids may be excited, but other kids might be frightened because they’ve never experienced it,” she said.
Marvin “Joe” Lewis, animal warden and compliance officer for the City of Patterson, sat in the driver’s seat of the bus and cheerfully greeted the young boys as they stepped on the bus and sat down.
Although her sons were scared, Yoshieka Williams, mother of twin boys Davin and Devin, said, “I am glad they had an opportunity to get on the bus.”
Despite the small turnout and dreary weather, Wilson said the program was “what I wanted it to be. It was what I hoped for.”
Attendees received a small backpack tote concluding the program. The totes included a small dry erase handwriting card, a dry erase marker, a box of crayons and flash cards.
“In the library system, we all may not do the same type of programs, but we all do programs,” said Wilson. “We all we do whatever we can to help our children develop.”

This story was written by Shea Drake of The Daily Review staff. Reach her at sdrake@daily-review.com.