This has been a busy start of the year at the Teddy Bear Preschool in Dolores.
The school, which is part of the Dolores RE-4a School District, is going for its NAEYC certification. Only about 3 percent of preschools across the nation earn the National Association for the Education of Young Children distinction.
"This is our goal, and we have been working really hard," said Valiena Rosenkrance, director of Teddy Bear Preschool.
The preschool is a collaborative and offers Head Start, Colorado Preschool Program and tuition slots.
Teddy Bear uses Creative Curriculum and the Incredible Years curriculum is embedded in the program and is used to teach social skills. The program helps teach children how to recognize their emotions and how to deal with them.
"All our preschool teaching teams are highly qualified," Rosenkrance said.
Each lead teacher has a minimum of an Associates degree in Early Childhood and co-teachers have a minimum of a CDA.
Teddy Bear is a Qualistar rated program that currently holds a 3-star rating.
The school has to meet about 500 criteria to get the NAEYC certification.
In addition, staff at the school are planning some of the following activities: Fall Carnival, Winter Program, Polar Express, Family Nights, Parent Nights, Spring Auction, Family Day at the Recreation Center, Tractor Day, Barn Yard, St. Judes's Trike a Thon and End of the Year Picnic.
"We ask and encourage you as community members and business owners to come and share your talents, interests or jobs with the children. They really enjoy having visitors. You may come in at any time and see what we are doing and what we are all about," Rosenkrance said.
For more information, call the school at 882-7277.