How can you make sure a child is ready to learn when they enter kindergarten? The simple answer is preschool, but not all parents can afford it. So a pair of retired educators in Fruitland opened a preschool that's free!FRUITLAND, Idaho (CBS 2) — "Hi, Easton!" On a cold winter morning, Preschool teachers Holly Hutchinson and Cindy Tuning stand by the door to greet each of their preschool students as they arrive eager to learn. Their little preschool is in the basement of the Fruitland United Methodist Church.
"Go ahead and put your coat up and I'll see you on the carpet," said Holly to a little good in a pink cap and powder blue coat.
On a morning such as this, they begin class with movement, something to warm up the children and get them focused on what they're saying."
During her 37-years in the Fruitland schools, Holly Hutchinson saw that some kids came to kindergarten prepared, while others seemed lost.
The difference, she said, was preschool. "In our town, there are quite a few private preschools. They're pretty good and they come to kindergarten all ready to go. But the parents that can't afford that, of course, don't send their children so those kids come to school and they're just really unprepared."
So in retirement, Holly established Circle of Friends, a tuition-free preschool. Though the focus is on children from disadvantaged homes, all are welcome. There are no embarrassing questions about income. Any child that's not going to a preschool is welcome.
Holly said, "We have a very nice mix. Of course, kids don't know the difference. They're a cute group."
They have fun as they learn the basics that they will need to get ready for kindergarten and beyond.
Cindy Tuning also retired from Fruitland Schools and now helps Holly at Circle of Friends, "I love coming to work every day. I needed the kids because the year I retired I tried to go help at the school, volunteer, but I couldn't because of the pandemic."
Circle of friends preschool is supported by a grant from the Whittenberg Foundation and by the Fruitland United Methodist Church.
This is a generous congregation," said Pastor Jim Hardenbrook. He says the congregation not only opened up their church but also their wallets. "It's kind of like planting a tree that you'll never ... Enjoy the shade from. But that's what makes communities strong, that common good that we buy into.CBS 2 and Mountain America Credit Union bought into it as well with a $500 Pay It Forward cleverly disguised in a tub of Playdough accessories. "Have mercy!" exclaimed Holly. "Check this out! That's not playdough!" "-- That's real dough," said Angela Phillips with MACU. The 500 dollars is a Pay It Forward from CBS 2 and Mountain America Credit Union."
By the way, Angela also brought a 20 pack of Playdough for the kids.
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