Nova Southeastern University offers children pre-k courses

Parenting Place teaches cognitive learning, social development

DAVIE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University offers a special program that prepares children for pre-kindergarten.

At the Parenting Place, children who range in age from 6 weeks old to 5 years old learn through play-based activities.

"They are like sponges, learning, changing their viewpoints of the world, developing relationships, learning about love, learning about everything from colors to shapes to the world around them," said Roni Leiderman, dean of the Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies at NSU.

The concept of the program is that children learn from the moment they're born. The first seven weeks of classes are free to newborns.

"They're learning through their senses when they first are born but every interaction a parent has with their child is a learning opportunity because parents are children's first teachers," said Leiderman.

Teachers focus on cognitive learning and social development. Parents say they see a difference.

"The dexterity with his hands is unbelievable, using the scissors and handling markers and paintbrushes great," said Andrew Sperber, a father.

"I can definitely see a difference in the cutting that she's learning, like holding the different types of pencils or crayons," said Lisa Castillo. "Every week that she comes, she's more engaged in the activities that we're doing."


About the Authors:

Kristi Krueger has built a solid reputation as an award-winning medical reporter and effervescent anchor. She joined Local 10 in August 1993. After many years co-anchoring the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., Kristi now co-anchors the noon newscasts, giving her more time in the evening with her family.