Stay To Play under new management

Grand Island Dispatch, November 3, 2006

Heidi Nitkowski and Jennifer Flick of Stay To Play are two long-time Grand Island residents with a love for children and teaching. They are working hard to improve the programs so that children will have the academic skills required to enter kindergarten.

The foundation for successful future schooling begins with these hands-on experiences of pre-school. As children progress through Stay To Play, they will be developing many childhood skills. Their awareness of the world, colors, shapes, letters, stories, songs, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, vocabulary and communication skills increase. This gives the child a sense of positive self-esteem and the enthusiasm for learning.

The program is designed to meet a child’s academic and social needs through an age appropriate program. Nitkowski and Flick provide both indoor and outdoor play areas that are well equipped with durable, appropriate equipment intended to give hours of fun as well as physical, social and educational development.

Stay To Play offers three individual programs. There are a three-day and five-day Pre-K program offering all skills required to make a smooth transition into today’s all-day academic kindergarten programs, with lots of hands-on learning. There is also the Intermediate class, a child’s first school experience offering an introduction into all areas that should be mastered by kindergarten for the 3-to-4-year-old children. This class has daily creative experiences in art, music, drama, exercise and a variety of academic subjects.

Stay To Play is also one of the only nursery schools on Grand Island with a toddler program. This class is a child’s first play group experience offering the social interaction that’s so important at this age and an “I can do” experience.

The school is a warm, cheerful environment that encourages creativity. Music, art, socialization, and a love of learning abound. There are several in-school field trips each year that provide new experiences for the children, and guests such as a dentist, the Grand Island Fire Department and Sidway School principal.
If you are looking for a safe and loving environment for your child to learn and grow in, give Nitkowski and Flick a call. Parents are always welcome to stop by and look around.