"This has been a dream of mine, at least for the five years that I have been here," said Principal Sharon Trout, looking at youngsters seated around a table, listening to and answering questions about a story read by Heidi Stokes, Chapman's preschool teacher.

Stokes' first assignment with the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District began January 2009, when she was hired to teach physical education for Chapman's K-8 students, and to work in classrooms as a certified teacher. She graduated from Utah State University in December 2008. Her student teaching included work with third- and fifth-grade classes. With Chapman's pre-K program keeping her busy in the mornings, Stokes spends her afternoons teaching K-8 physical education.

Preschool begins at 8:40 a.m. and the youngsters are excused at 11:30 a.m.

"The value of pre-K is well established," Trout said. "School readiness, language development, early literacy; it's all solidly researched and now being developed in our district. Research shows that a pre-K program improves high school graduation rates, reduces grade repetition and reduces the number of students placed in special education, and also reduces crime and delinquency."

Parents in the area specifically requested a preschool, recognizing the need for their youngsters' further socialization with children of the same age. Chapman's site council gave the program its stamp of approval last spring when word began to spread about the availability of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 stimulus funds. Receiving those funds means Chapman has a pre-K program for the next two years.

A visit to Stokes' class makes it clear youngsters are getting exactly what their parents requested. Thanks to Stokes approach, they're getting it in a very positively framed reference.

"Thank you, Zane, for following directions."

"Look at how quickly Kasha found her place on the rug."

"Watch how Jaxon traces his name."

Stokes' eyes are constantly moving, leaving no movement unseen. With a soft voice, she helps them understand that eating snacks before drinking beverages means spilled cups won't cause soggy treats, cleaning off the table after snacks means space for the activity that follows, keeping eyes and ears focused on her as she reads means they will be able to enjoy the story. Each direction given has a reason. Each direction followed is praised.

"Chapman School realizes the need to provide another learning avenue where our younger students can explore, create, socialize and play," Trout said. "This Chapman pre-K program will be successfully accomplished because there has been considerable thought and planning prior to the money becoming available. Opening the doors this fall for 4-year-olds at our school has been a systematic, well thought-out plan to get children ready for kindergarten. Research through and through says that a pre-k is good intervention for those children who may need some help with the 'skills of school.'"

Activities are designed to offer time and encouragement to play, with learning happening at the same time. It prepares the students for a smooth transition into kindergarten which, in turn, means a jumpstart to first grade.

"(Preschool) is an important first step in a child's educational experience," Stokes said. "It provides the opportunity for students to get used to the structure of school such as lining up, following a schedule and following school rules. Preschool also provides a foundation for early literacy."

The curriculum being used -- Houghton Mifflin Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum -- has built-in pre- and post-assessments, allowing Stokes to measure student progress.

"I will be able to compare (the assessments) to see the growth that has taken place, however the ultimate measurement will be their readiness for kindergarten," she said.

The challenge, for now, is that every day is a new day because of the program's newness to the school. Therefore, Stokes is networking with other preschool programs in the district, as well as working closely with Trout and Donna Austin, Chapman's kindergarten instructor.

Another measurement is the eagerness expressed by Stokes' young charges.

"I love how excited they are about everything we do," she said. "In fact, this is my first class where students are asking their parents to stay longer."

The most rewarding aspect of the pre-K program, however, is the learning and development of new skills taking place.

"We have only been in school five days and they have already learned," Stokes told the Homer News earlier this week. "I am very excited to see the growth that will take place throughout the year."

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com.