Children’s Museum to offer preschool

Children will get to explore exhibits at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis in depth through a new preschool program
being launched by the museum.

The Children's Museum Preschool will open Aug. 31 for up to 72 children ages 3 to 5. Children will attend one to three
mornings a week and will spend about half their time in the museum's galleries.

Tuition will range from $350 to about $1,050 a semester depending on the number of days a child attends.

Museum officials say the program is designed to supplement other child care. Teachers will be members of the museum staff.

Diane Kopasz, spokeswoman for the Association of Children's Museums, said the program will be one of only a handful offered
at children's museums nationally.

The preschool will be based on education philosophies of Maria Montessori, an Italian educator, and Reggio Emilia, an Italian
town known for its child-directed approach to learning.

Jennifer Pace Robinson, vice president of experience development and family learning, said more than 20 children already
have enrolled for the program.

Jeffrey H. Patchen, museum president and CEO, said having a preschool within the museum will help prepare children for lifelong
learning.