The decision to enroll a young child in an enrichment class is a choice all new parents must make. While a lot of children attend full-time preschools and day cares, just as many

stay at home with a parent or guardian who serves as both teacher and caregiver. Some families prefer the social interaction and environment that many preschools are able to provide while others believe that sending a youngster off to school before the child is five is simply too early. With so many options and a child's future at the forefront of the mind, it is often difficult for parents to find a happy middle ground that gives children the social and interactive outreach of a preschool and yet satisfies all expectations. Thankfully, the City of Fontana has Tiny Tots, the time-tested program that has been shaping the lives of young learners for over two decades.

The Tiny Tots program is currently offered throughout the year at the Don Day and Cypress Community Centers. Due to the program's success, others will soon be available for residents in the north at the Village of Heritage and Jessie Turner Community Centers.

Tiny Tots gives children aged three to five, a unique opportunity to socialize in an enriching and professionally guided environment for a few hours, twice per week. Instead of taking a child to a preschool for the day, the local community centers offer a few hours of interactive fun and learning time with peers and experienced professionals in the morning or afternoon.

Parents can confidently leave their child knowing that the experience will provide them with the perfect amount of play and activity time to help promote socialization skills.

Tiny Tots is a learning program designed to gradually prepare children for a positive transition into kindergarten. The professional staff creates an environment that encourages intellectual, physical, and social growth through crafts, song, outdoor

activities and more. When the students leave they have a better command of peer group settings, shapes, colors, seasons, weather, written letters, and numbers.

Once enrolled, most families in the program continue on until they reach kindergarten age. For these young ones, the last semester in the class means a chance to graduate in a full cap and gown celebration before a cheering audience of parents, guardians, siblings, and others. This is a wonderful way to prepare young minds for a lifetime of positive feelings towards learning and socializing.

According to Mike Molina, community services coordinator for the Don Day Community Center, "By the second day, they love it!"

Many continue an ongoing registration process while others come back with new family members. "We have some families who have a child graduate and then have a younger sibling who enters the program. Some of the families are with us for over two to three years," says Molina.

While the caps and gowns are a sight to behold, the program is extremely affordable.

Enrollment for a four-week session is $65. Compared to a full-time preschool or daycare that is an incredible money-saving offer. The greatest benefit is that there is still plenty of time for parent-child play and learning at home. Proof of immunization and age are required at registration.

For more information, or to register, please call the Don Day Community Center at (909) 428-8383 or stop by 14501 Live Oak Avenue. Parents or guardians may also contact the Cypress Community Center at (909) 428-8374 or visit 8380 Cypress Avenue. Due to the continued success of the program, space is limited, so please register today.