The Westminster College Preschool Lab staff will host a Kindergarten Transition Workshop Thursday, Feb. 24, from 7-8:30 p.m. in Hoyt Science Center room 152. 

The workshop is free and open to anyone interested in learning how to help their child make the transition from preschool or daycare to kindergarten.  The program includes handouts, resource lists, children's books and calendars about kindergarten, and a time for sharing experiences and questions.  Reservations are requested to aid in planning.

Presenters include: Westminster preschool director Dr. Mandy Medvin and teachers Diana Reed and Debi Roud; Wilmington School District kindergarten teachers and Westminster alumnae Ali Ciavarino, who has been teaching eight years, and Shirley Snyder, who has 35 years' teaching experience; and Beth Mickle, director of the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church Preschool, who has taught 14 years.

Nearly half of all kindergarten teachers nationally report that 50% of children experience some degree of difficulty in the transition to formal schooling.  Strategies to prepare children for change and address the challenges of adjustment can help ensure the transition to school is positive.

The Westminster College Preschool Lab, established in 1990, is a multipurpose facility that serves the College and the community.  Designed by early childhood experts, the laboratory school incorporates innovative curriculum, well-trained staff, developmentally appropriate equipment, and individual attention.  The preschool is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.

The workshop is sponsored by Westminster's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and Department of Psychology.

Contact Reed or Roud at (724) 946-7174 or e-mail reedd@westminster.edu or roudds@westminster.edu for additional information or to make reservations.