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Education A Big Deal At Wee World

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By SARAH ROTHWELL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 17, 2007

TEMPLE TERRACE - At Wee World Preschool, children are encouraged to be creative.

Cyndi Keding proudly displays her 4-year-old son's artwork on the refrigerator at her family's home. Almost every day, she has something new to put up. There are finger paintings, crayon creations and holiday-related crafts.

"My favorite thing is all the stuff they bring home," Keding said. "Wee World is not just a day care, it's an education."
Wee World opened in the 1970s as a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Temple Terrace. The school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and serves 120 preschoolers, ages 2 through 4. The school curriculum includes different activities for each age and is Christian-based.

The school is accepting 2-year-olds and will hold registration in March. Half-day and extended-care programs are available. Each class is lead by a certified teacher and a qualified assistant. Classes focus on socialization, mental stimulation, early academics and the arts.

In addition, Christian teachings are incorporated into the children's daily activities. "During circle time, we teach our preschoolers that Jesus loves them, that he made the sun, the moon and the stars," Wee World director Carol Grabill said.

Grabill began working at Wee World in 1978 and fell in love with its caring atmosphere. In 1982, she assumed the director role. She considers early childhood education extremely important and works to keep the school up to date.

"In the first three years of development, children learn a massive amount of things," she said. "It's important that they learn to develop social skills and express their thoughts."

Teacher Sharon Atkinson said Wee World's approach to education is interactive.

"The school is very hands-on," she said. "The children use their imaginations. They paint and use their hands instead of doing worksheets."

Jennifer Flynn uses songs and colorful visuals to teach academics to 4-year-olds.

"In my class, I teach basic alphabet sounds and number recognition," she said. "It's great preparation for elementary school."

Keding agreed. In addition to her son, who is enrolled, she has two Wee World graduates at home, and a baby daughter who will later attend.

"They're ready for kindergarten when they leave here," she said.

Wee World teachers are required to have a college degree or the equivalent in early childhood training. Together, they have countless years of teaching experience. Most are also parents.

Atkinson, who works with 2-year-olds, said it is never too early to start learning. She encourages her students to learn through play and to get messy. She doesn't mind cleaning up after finger painting.

"When they create a piece of artwork, it's their masterpiece," she said. "At Wee World, they get to use their imaginations."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Wee World Preschool

WHERE: First Baptist Church of Temple Terrace, 10002 N. 56th St.

WHEN: Open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

INFORMATION: Call (813) 980-0090

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell @tampatrib.com.

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