FARMINGTON — An open house at the facility for a new prekindergarten program will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at 112 Maguire St. on the campus of the University of Maine at Farmington.

The program for 4-year-olds will begin its first year Sept. 8 and operate from the Maguire address until the new elementary school is completed, teacher Dawn Brod said. Thirty-two children have been selected from a lottery to participate. Sixteen will attend sessions from 9 a.m. to noon and 16 others from 12:30 to 3 p.m., she said. The program is at capacity.

The free educational program is offered through a collaboration of UMF, Mt. Blue Regional School District, Head Start and Child Development Services.

Once the program moves into the new school, two classrooms are expected to accommodate all eligible children in the district area, she said.

Children in existing programs and those with no preschool experience have been signed up for the program. It’s a good mix that socially and economically represents the area, she said.

Those eligible for Head Start services will receive those within this program, she said.

Using state early childhood learning guidelines as the basis for the program, Brod will develop a curriculum plan based on the children’s interest rather than one put together by the teacher, she said. Her plans will reflect what they’re interested in and want to learn. Family involvement will also be encouraged.

UMF students majoring in early childhood education and early childhood special education will gain practical experience for their degree programs through their involvement in the program.

Brod, the former director of Sweatt-Winter Child Care and Education Center, has accepted the position of prekindergarten teacher with educational technician support from Barbara Marshall.

The program will follow the Mt. Blue district school calendar, although they are starting later this first year. Bus transportation will also be provided for the students.

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