Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Preschool Discussed

DR. KENNETH HARRIS

Clark County Youth Development Center (CCYDC) parents, volunteers and home visitors met on Monday, November 24, at the Clark County Youth Development Center. The meeting began at 6:30.

The program began with a welcome given by Mrs. Fadie Gentry, and Americorp home visitor for the communities of Antoine and Delight. CCYDE is providing the HIPPY Program for families in Pike County.

Cathy Giles, a home visitor, serving the Gurdon and Clark County area, conducted a get acquainted activity. Gentry and Giles recently received their training and certificate, certifying them as HIPPY home visitors.

The program's highlight for the evening was the featured speaker, Dr. Kenneth Harris, Professor of Early Childhood Education, Henderson State University. Dr. Harris was introduced by the CCYDC director Delores Hodges.

Dr. Harris' topic was "The Importance Of Pre-School Education." He emphasized the importance of the parents' role in being the child's first teacher. He encouraged the parents to become more involved with their child's education. He told the importance of parents reading to their child everyday and allowing children to look at pictures as they read to assist them in getting understanding from books.

Dr. Harris detailed the importance of listening to children and giving love to them.

Refreshments were enjoyed by those in attendance. Refreshments included chips, dip cake and punch.

Door prizes were given at the conclusion of the program. Those receiving door prizes were: Vinita Giles, Gloria Marks, Sharon Blake, Yvette Anderson, Tonya McClure, and Benetta Booker.

Merchants providing the door prizes were Dan Cook's of Arkadelphia, Thomerson Drug Store and M&M Enterprises both of Gurdon and Olivia Williams.