FARMINGTON — University of Maine at Farmington, MSAD #9, Head Start and Child Developmental Services are collaborating to offer a new pre-kindergarten program in Farmington. This program will operate at 112 Maguire Street on the UMF campus.

Children that are eligible for Head Start services will be served within this program and receive play-based educational opportunities through an emergent curriculum. Activities and materials that support hands-on learning involving topics of the children's interest will be offered, with family involvement encouraged. UMF students majoring in early childhood education and early childhood special education will be involved with the program to gain practical experience for their degree programs.

Dawn Brod, former director of Sweatt-Winter Child Care and Education Center will serve as the pre-K teacher for the program with ed. tech. support from Barbara Marshall. Classes are available as morning sessions, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and afternoon sessions from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Bus transportation is available and snacks will be served in both sessions.

For more information, contact Dawn Brod at 778-7482, or dawn.brod@maine.edu.