A Scotts Valley preschool is heading into the new school year with a new name and a new focus, after joining the seven other preschools of the Building Kidz Schools earlier this year.
Formerly known as A Child’s Connections, the preschool located at 106 Vine Hill School Road was owned and operated by Melody Barker for 15 years before she partnered with the South San Francisco-based Building Kidz in January.
Since then, Barker — who was kept on by the school to serve as director — said the partnership has provided her small campus with a real shot in the arm.
“Bringing them on board allowed me to offer a lot more to the kids,” she said.
Barker said that Building Kidz had done “major upgrades” to the building, the playground, and the kids’ classrooms, as well as added security features, such as keypad locks and surveillance cameras.
Since becoming Building Kidz, she said, the focus of the school — which has programs for children from preschool age through fifth grade — centers around performing arts, something Barker says is sorely lacking in early childhood education.
“The dance, music, voice training, and theater are included in the price of tuition,” Barker said. “Schools can’t afford music and theater in the way that we’re able to.”
Along with her staff of three teachers and an aide, Barker said that they are able to provide students with individualized curriculum, whether the student is a preschooler or a fifth-grader in the after-school program.
“We’re not trying to make them fit into our style,” she said.
While all class levels participate in the performing arts portion of the program, Barker said, many courses aimed at the older students are set to take place in the fall, such as a technology course that highlights ways to use iPads and other gadgets.
The year-round program can accommodate children as young as two years of age, she said.
Those interested can find more information at http://www.buildingkidzschool.com/
