Park Record | 2004-09-15 | Page 20

Wed/Thurs/Fri, September 15L17, 2004 The Park Record A-20 Parents, educators debate preschool A Neighborhood Italian Cafe FREE DINNER OR PASTA 1 T h e Almost Unrestricted' 1 Two - For -One • I Buy one item from the dinner or pjsta category and receive another I I item from the dinner or pasu category of equal or lesser value for free. | • Dine in only. Corkage is v.iliil with offer. Offer v.ilitl wirh coupon only, • after 5 pm. Noi valid with any other offers. CASH IS ACCEPTED, ' L _ « M « Ofler expires 9/30/200-i - __-I - - - - - - - - - ' J Come and enjoy some of the best Italian food on Main Street. Our house specialties include linguine and clams, Osso Bucco, seafood filled manicotti and our house recipe lasagne. Oh, and donV forget about our eclectic wine list and creative cocktails .435/649-7090 - 900 "Main Street Open 6 *bfiqfits a week from 5:00pm CLOSET* W£VrhfES<DtAYS By JENNY DEAM MediaNews Group "Wire Kindergartners trudge back to their classroom with admirable precision and orderliness, little fingers clutching treasures from the library. Hve-year-old Emma Fuller plops on the floor, her book "The Lamb Prince" open during quiet reading time. She, follows the lines of words she cannot read and nods as she turns each page. "I look at the pictures," she says, her face serious with concentration. A few feet away, Logan Hansen, also 5, opens his book "Crickwing" and turns the pages one by one. He also cannot read the words. The two, in the same class at a suburban Denver elementary school, seem educationally equal. But Logan swims with the mainstream of today's vision of proper parenting and educational readiness. He went to preschool to prepare him for the academic rigors of kindergarten.Emma, on the other hand, did not attend preschool and is among a smaller group going against the powerful societal and political tide. Does this mean children with an early start have Harvard in their future while children without early education will struggle? Although the debate has been ongoing for years, it recently accelerated, including a call by the National Education Association for "universal preschool. " Kindergarten used to be the beginning of the educational process, a gentle introduction to the social and academic rigors to come, as well as a rite of passage as parents and children begin the long march toward separation. But that was before 85 percent of children under 6 had a mother working full time, before educators were under the gun to constantly test children to prove academic progress, before parenting was a pressurecooked competition to push children toward success. "Today's pre-school is the kindergarten of yesteryear," says Margery Fillinger, principal at Ute Meadows Elementary _ where Logan and Emma attend _ and veteran educator of 30 years. Nationally, statistics on how many children are educated before kindergarten are elusive and probably incomplete because of wide disparities in what constitutes a preschool. But according to the National Institute for Early Education Research, affiliated with Rutgers University, 58 percent of the nation's 3- and 4-year-olds were enrolled in some type of center-based education program in 1999. That compares to about 50 percent in 1991; in 1960 it was only about 10 percent. Much of this trend is fueled by the increased number of working mothers. What is noteworthy is the number of slay-at-home parents who place their children in preschool, says Carol Shipp of the N1EE. According to the Children's Defense Fund, nearly a third of all children under 6 whose mothers were not working were in some kind of child-care or early education arrangement. "Preschool is now just the expected first step/ says Elisa Morgan, president of MOPS International, a Denver-based organization for mothers of preschool children. Parents worry about such things as socialization, a word that has become as intertwined with child rearing as nap time and potty training. Mary Hansen, 42, Logan's mom who works part time, put both her sons in preschool when she first noticed they seemed reserved and shy around other children. While troubled by what she sees as pushing children too early, she was thankful for the preschool experience after she discovered how much is expected of today's kindergartners. ""They are already testing them," she says. There is no doubt the world kids who have been read to and has become more competitive and taken places. They are the ones fast-paced. And most parents want ready to learn. You can see it in their their children to have an edge. eyes." The debate changes drasticalBut the question of whether this ly as it moves to the inner city and societal shift is a change for the bet- other areas where poverty, a lack of ter is not easily answered. Because educational opportunity and illthe phenomenon is so new, studies equipped parents are factored into comparing long-term effects of early the equation. education aren't available. Sue Kempton is a kindergarten teacher at Harrington Elementary in "It's a mixed bag," Fillinger says. On one hand, she says, she is Denver, where 97 percent of the childelighted by the progress her dren receive free or reduced-cost school's 5-year-olds make in one lunches. She recently taught at year. They seem up to the academic Slavens School, an affluent school highly regarded for its academic challenges presented them. By first grade, state standards dic- excellence. "Probably in the middletate children must be able to read class and upper-middle-class schools and write and do simple math _ skills there is no difference," she says of once reserved for the first and sec- those children who did or did not ond grades. Probably, she says, pre- attend preschool. school has helped. Ironically, chilBui this fail, in her classroom, dren are not required to attend some of her kindergartners don't kindergarten. In Colorado, children know their colors, have no idea legally need not enter school until which letters are in their names and age 7. • cannot hold a pencil. Nevertheless, But she also worries about the these children, like those in middleclass schools, are held to the same cost of this fast-forwarding. "They have to be development al- standard of knowing how to read, ly ready," she says. "I believe we as a write and do math by the first grade. society put a lot of pressure and The National Education stress on our children.n Association, which represents 2.7 If a child is pushed too fast, they million American educators, says the may not retain what they have answer lies in what is being called learned or they may feel over- "universal pre-school," a standardwhelmed by school and ultimately ized criteria for early learning, comdread it. There also is concern that if plete with state funding and academschools are only focused on targeted ic standards for teachers. goals, the play and fun of learning is The organization also is pushing lost. "Children at this age need to be to make this type of high-quality prechildren," says Margaret Foster, the school available to any 3- or 4-yearkindergarten teacher at Ute old who wants it. Meadows. Three weeks into the Janette Benson, a psychology school year, she says she is not able to professor at the University of identify, in her class of 25, which chil- Denver who specializes in early dren attended preschool and which childhood development, wishes the did not. At Prospect Valley question was less about keeping 3Elementary in the same school dis- and 4-year-olds competitive and trict, Patricia Siebert, who has taught more about age-appropriateness. for more than 20 years, including What is more important, she says, both preschool and now kinder- is for parents and teachers to nurture garten, agrees. curiosity in children and the excite"I'm not sure the difference in ment of learning new things. From kids I see is about preschool. It's the that, she says, all else flows AT YOUR SERVICE A guide to'Fark~C\tyfe professional eervice$t* MERCER AUTOMOTIVE & DETAILING. AAA Certified. 15 years in the area Located in the heart of Park City. Repairs on all makes and models. ASE Certified Technicians State Inspections, tire repairs, oil changes, scheduled services Full service detailing 435-649-AUTO (2886) Se habla Espanol COPYWRITING Y2 Advertising & Publicity • News releases & (PSA '%) • Advertising copy • Direct Man • Sales Letters • Case Histories • Marketing Collateral • Publicity Mountain Media Services 435-671-2365 COUNSELING Marci Hensleigh, LCSW SAP, PC Mountainwest Counceling 1685 Bonanza Dr. Suite #205 (Next to Park City Family Health) 435-649-4070 • Evening hours-available 10a.m.-7p.m. • By appointment only •Member of NAADAC • Member of EMDIRA NASW • Licenced in Utah and California • 18 years experience • Psycho Therapy Adults • Geriatric and Adolescents . • Personal & Lice Coaching DENTISTS Park City Dentistry Ronald T. Cohn, D.M.D., P.A. • 22 years experience • Prevent dental problems in the future • Look and feel good • Painless dentistry • Expect the best results from an artist 1600 Snow Creek Drive Suite A • Park City 435-649-4343 Canyon Dentistry B. John Dingman, D.M.D., P C • Relaxed, Pain Free Environment • Personalized Family Dental Care • Prevention Oriented Practice • Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry • Metal Free Restorations 4343 N. Highway 224, Suite 201 Park city, Utah 84098 435-658-4746 Park City Oral Surgery Wade A. Peers, D.D.S • IV Sedation • Wisdom Teeth • Dental Implants • Oral Lesions/Jaw Surgery • Dental/Facial Trauma • 1612 W, Ute Blvd. Suite 205 Park City, UT 877-615-9840 •Elizabeth Marlin, MD Am Bd of Pediatrics. Diplomate •Robert J. Winn, MD Applegate Homecare and Hospice 2015 Sidewinder Drive Phone: [phone] MEDICAL DOCTORS Fax:[phone] Home Nursing • Physical, HEALTHSOUTH Surgery Center Occupational, Speech Therapies • of Park City Home Health Aides • Hospice • ' 1850 Sidewinder Dr. #120 Homemakers • Respite Care [phone] Allow us to provide you with the perEndoscopies, and Colonoscopies, Ear, sonalized care you deserve. Nose and Throat, General Surgery, Judy K. Hanley Hand, Neuro Surgery, Gynecology, Insurance agent. Farmers. Oral, Orthopedic, Otolaryngology Auto, home, life, business, (Head and Neck), Pain Management, health insurance Plastic, Podiatry, Urology. 1612 UtcBlvd Experienced staff committed to Suite #209 exceptional, personalized care. Please, Park City, UT 84098 contact us for surgeon information. Business [phone], Hours: 7 am - 5 pm, Mon. - Fri. Home [phone] FAX [phone] OB-Gyn Associates Board Certified, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Fertility, Pelvic Surgery LAWYERS Offering Bioidentical Hormone Therapy! UTAH DUI DEFENSE Dr.Stephanie Singer HOTLINE [phone] Sidewinder Drive, Suite 115 for FREE Recorded Message or if Park City, U t ( l B floor Health South you would like to speak with an Building) attorney immediately you may call Open M-F No wait required. TroyAyres at 435-513-1393 Same day appointment available. www.utahduihotline.com 435-655-6617 credit cards accepted Nancy Pollard. L.C.S.W., C.E.C. Orthopedic Sport Medicine Spinal Certified empowerment coach Evaluation and Surgery LIFE EMPOWERMENT COACHING i specializing in life transition coaching, financial empowerment coaching, and adults with ADD. All sessions via the telephone and email. ' 435-649-7600 [e-mail] Visit: www.nancypollard.com for more information. MEDICAL DOCTORS Park City Family Health and Urgent Care Center •1665 Bonanza Drive •649-7640 Open 8am to 9pm •7 days a week for urgent care. • Appointments 8am to 8pm Mon-Sun. •Adult and Pcdiatric Medical Care •Family Planning, Urgent Medical Conditions and Trauma. Family Nurse Practitioners •R. Herbert Lcpley, FNP •June Ncelcy, FNP •Kathleen Thomas, FNP Certified in Sports Medicine •Joseph Albano, MD •Cress R. Pohnn, MD •Robert J. Evers, MD •Chris Hays, MD Am Bd of Family Practice, Diplomats •Joseph Albano, MD •Robert W. Barnett, MD * •Cress R. Bohnn, MD •Robert J. Evers, MD •Joseph Ferriter, MD •Chris Hays, MD Les J Harris, MD Office Located in Snow Creek Emergency & Medical Center (adjacent to Dan's) 649-7407 Salt Lake Office 801-269-2802 Rosenberg-Cooley Clinic Knee • Shoulder • Spine • Specialists Thomas D. Rosenberg, M.D. Vernon J. Cooley, M.D. Michael H.Mcccalf, M.D. Charles C. Rich, M.D. Larry G. Leonard M.D. Mark E. Moritz, D.P.M. 1820 Sidewinder Dr. Suite 100 Prospector Square 655-6600 Snow Creek Medical Center 1600 Snow Creek Drive (adjacent to Dan's Foods). 435-655-0055 Walk in Visits Welcome, Short Waiting Times, Primary, Urgent, Emergency and Trauma Care, On Site Orthopedic Consultation, Pediatrics, and OB/Gyn. Open 365 days per year Board Certified Emergency Physicians • Lisa Anderson, MD • Kathy Atkinson, MD • Arnold Finkleman, MD • Robert Gannon, MD • Kristen Jahn, MD • Larry Orosz, MD • Mark Paradise, MD • John Silverman, MD Board Certified Family Practice Physicians •Julie Dolan, MD • Brian Rush, MD Board Certified Obstetrics &c Gynecology • James Roth, MD Summit Pediatrics has relocated and MEDICAL DOCTORS expanded. We honor most insurances and medicaid plans. Quality care for infants, children and adolescents. Well child exams, adolescent and behavioral medicine. Sport and Scout physicals. Currently scheduling 6 days per week with urgent care clinics in the evenings and Saturdays. Leslie Webster MD, Kathy Ostler, MD and Una Terry M.D. 1790 W. Sun Peak Dr. Ste. A101, Park City, 435-6550926 and 90*6 So. Main St., Heber City, 435-657-0101 and 24 hr. on call coverage 435-615-8866 The SMART Clinic •Sports & Spine •Minimal invasive spine surgery •Endoscopic laser disk surgery •Electrodiagnostics/EMG Scott Adelman MD Michael Giovanniello, MD Jackson Maddux MD Board certified 801-676-SMART (Salt Lake City) Duane E. Townsend, Gyn/Oncology FACOG - Board certified Integrative Medicine How to make estrogen SAFE!! 435-901-8123, Park City Trust your healthcare to the most experienced Gynecologist in the Intermountain West. Learn how to SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE RISK of breast, uterine, colon and prostate cancers; heart disease and Alzheimers. Park City Internal Medicine Pediatrics Primary care for infants to seniors. • Adult and pcdiatric medical care • Well care and preventative medicine • Acute and chronic illnesses • Women's health • Health and well ness promotion • School, sports and camp physicals • Same day appointments available • Evening and weekend hours • Hablamos espariol Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics • Viet Nguyen, MD, FAAP • Penny Peacock, MD 1612 West Ute Blvd., Ste 112 (In Kimball Junction behind Wendy's Hours: M-TH: 10-7, F:10-4, S 9-12 Phone: [phone] Park City Plastic Surgery Larry G. Leonard, M.D., FACS Board Certified in plastic & reconstructive surgery. 1795 Sidewinder Driver, Suite 200 Clayton Building/Prospector Sq. 435-647-0074 University of Utah Hospitals & Clinics Summit Health Community Clinic 1750 W. Sun Peak Dr. 647-5740 • Adult, Pediatric and OB/GYN 8:00 am to 6:00 Monday -Friday Sat. 8:00AM to 12:00PM • On-site Pharmacy 8:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday-Friday Sat. 9:00AM to 12:00PM Board Certified Internal Medicine Mary Parsons, MD Board Certified Family Practice Joseph Berman, MD Natascha Lautenschlager, MD Board Certified Pediatrics American Academy of Pediatric Fellow Karen Lantz, MD • OB/GYN Tina Fought, Certified Nurse Midwife MEDICAL DOCTORS OPHTHALMOLOGY Mountain Valley Eye Institute at Park City Vision Center John B. Fassio, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist Providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care in Park City.. 1920 Prospector Ave. Park City, Utah 84060 [phone] SALTZ PLASTIC SURGERY Renato Saltz, M.D.; FACS Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery www.saltzplasticsurgery.com Conveniently located in Prospector next to Health South Surgery Center in the Rosen berg-Cooley Clinic 1820 Sidewinder Park C i t y 655-6612 TOSH Physical Therapy 1850 Sidewinder Drive, Suite 310 Park City Medical & Office Plaza Open Mon-Sat [phone] Our therapists have served the community for the past 12 years. TOSH is the official provider for the U.S. Ski, Snowboarding and Speed Skating Teams. Our therapists are experts in the field of physical therapy. We specialize in orthopedics and sports medicine. Most insurance plans accepted. Physical Therapists: S. Marlene Hatch, PT Laurie Savage-Wing, PT Jan Watts, PT, ATC Beau Johnson, MPT Occupational Therapy: Kathleen Papi-Baker, OT Athletic Trainers: Steve Brace, ATC Krista Clayton, PTA Robyn Hasc, ATC Kyle Wakens, ATC Accelerations: Steve Sherwood, MS, ATC Jim Walker, PHd Ildiko Strehli, BS Massage Therapy: Christine Heidiklang, LMT Pam Green, LMT PRIVATE SCHOOL PARK CITY ACADEMY An independent, Christian, college preparatory school, that welcomes a diverse community of students. Some Reasons OurStvdents Achieve Utah's Highest SA. T. Scores: • Small class sizes of 18 students or less • Utah's only official "Core Knowledge Sequence" school • Open Court - balanced reading curriculum • "Pathways to Excellence" personalized excellence program • Foreign languages (Spanish starting in Preschool) • Competitive sports programs • Specialists in fine arts, music, science, and computers • Bible classes, character-building, and PRIVATE 5CH00L community service For information call 435-649-2791 3120W PinebrookRd Park City, Utah 84098 THE COLBY SCHOOL An independent, non-profit school providing academic excellence in a caring community. Our students benefit from: • Research-based Tribes Model • Small class sizes (16 or less for K-8, 12 students with two teachers for preschool) • Integrated curriculum blending art, music, foreign language, and physical education for all students in Pre-School through 8th grade • Hands on Science Exploration in partnership with community organizations • Service learning • Outdoor education For information call 435-655-3966 3770 N. Hwy 224 Park City, UT 84060 www.thecolbyschool.org Imagine our child at The Colby School PSYCHOTHERAPY Roxi Nelson L.C.S/W Licensed Clinical Social Worker is now accepting new client referrals at Mountain Strength Wellness Center located in the Deer Valley Plaza. Specializing in psychotherapy with children, adolescents.and adults, personal and life coaching and emotional wellness. Including substance abuse, individual and couples counseling, adjustment issues and anger management. For appointments contact 615-7600 or 714-0901. Located at 1375 Deer Valley Drive, Suite 206. (Mention that you saw this ad in the Park Record ana receive 50% off of your second visit)