Plainview Pre-School Launches First Wireless Laptop Computer Technology Program for Preschoolers

(I-Newswire) December 20, 2004 - Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for that hard to please 3 or 4 year old? Wireless laptops are at the top of the list for some 100 children at Louisville's Plainview Pre-school. This fall, students began using wireless laptops in one of the country's first wireless computer labs just for preschoolers! It is all part of the ground breaking educational approaches at Plainview Pre-School designed to boost preschooler's brainpower and future college readiness at a cost that won't turn parents into scrooges.

Throughout the week, students receive instruction in the school's new wireless computer lab equipped with new Dell Latitude laptops and mobile wireless technology. Plus the computer/technology teacher brings laptops, digital cameras, and recording devices into each classroom. According to the School's Head Administrator Jeff Byrne, "This gives children a chance to use technology for real problem solving rather than just for entertainment and since appropriate stimuli such as engaging hands-on activities with computers enhances early brain development, laptops are the perfect choice for a preschooler's small hand size" said Byrne.

The wireless computer and technology program at Plainview School is fully integrated with the school's Learning Framework Curriculum � a curriculum based on Kentucky's new standards for 3 and 4 year olds that matches preschool subject matters with elementary school subject matters like Math, Science, Literacy, Art & Humanities, and Social Studies. "Throughout elementary school, technology integration is growing widely and we are thrilled to be one of the first pre-schools in the country to launch this type of program," said Byrne. "Plus we're amazed at how well the children have been responding to it. Many parents have even said their child has passed them up!"

"A lot of parents have shied away from these types of preschool programs because of the traditional high cost of a high quality program," said Byrne. "This year, we created an affordable tuition structure which includes low student to teacher ratios, experienced/tenured/degreed teachers, our full Learning Framework curriculum, and the wireless technology program � all for one monthly tuition price lower than what many other programs in town charge" said Byrne.

Eventually, the school hopes the wireless technology will allow teachers to directly link instruction to the real world. "Let's say, for example we are doing a lesson on space," said Carolyn Savko, Curriculum Director at Plainview Pre-School. "We can first visit the NASA site where we can explore the space shuttle, the children may then read a story in class about the shuttle, and then move to create our own shuttles in an art or math project -- and return to the Web site for ideas. Interactive technology makes it easier to create an environment in which children are learning by doing." The wireless format will eventually allow teachers to use their time more efficiently and productively. "During quiet time, having a laptop allows the teacher to plan lessons, prescreen websites, download new curriculum activities, and e-mail progress reports to parents. This makes for a greater focus on the children, better planned activities, and improved parental communications," said Savko.

Plainview Pre-School is Kentucky's largest private early childhood school. Since 1974, Plainview has prepared thousands of children for accelerated learning in elementary school and has earned a reputation for excellence. In 2002, former Kentucky Governor Patton recognized Plainview as a model of preschool education during his visit to the school. Congresswoman Anne Northup recognized Plainview in 1999 for "preparing children for accelerated learning." In 2004, Plainview School partnered with the University of Louisville to lead Kentucky in cutting edge early learning methods by teaching piano and music as a means to accelerate preschooler's math and science skills and teaching the language of Latin to boost emerging literacy skills and future SAT scores.

For information about this release, contact the Administration Office, Plainview School, 10320 Timberwood Circle, Louisville, Kentucky 40223, (502) 244-5753, FAX (502) 245-3559, www.plainviewschool.com.

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