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The first-ever Countywide Universal Pre-Kindergarten Fair was held Feb. 7 at the First 5 San Benito office, providing educational information about local preschools, transitional kindergartens and kinder families.
The event was co-sponsored by the San Benito County Office of Education, along with First 5 San Benito.
Assistant superintendent of educational services Mai Opena Cruz said it was intended to support young children and families across San Benito County
“We really want to bring the schools together,” she said, “including early learning providers and community organizations, to increase family awareness of the transitional kindergarten, preschool and early learning opportunities available countywide.”
Hollister Methodist School, Hollister Prep School and Aromas-San Juan Unified School District were represented, along with other organizations including San Benito County Library and San Benito Department of Health.
“We want parents to engage with the different community organizations and school sites that are in attendance,” Cruz said, “so they can understand the enrollment and registration process.”
She said the event was also to let parents know that the county has community resources that promote early literacy, health, wellness and school readiness.
First 5 Benito Executive Director Luisa Power said there are many programs through First Five in San Benito County that provide services, programs and support for families of children 0-to-5 years old.
She said her organization works with various community resources and provides an access point for families to find information and any support they may need, whether it’s educational, medical or social-emotional.
They are also working with the San Benito Health Foundation, which provided free vision screenings at the event, to provide additional resources to families
“We think we do have a good foundation of programs in the county,” Power said, “This event really strengthens and develops that partnership with different organizations and different schools.”
Hollister resident Samantha Chapa said her daughter, Eliana, 4, is currently in Head Start at Calaveras School, and will start TK next school year. She said she came to get an idea of what kinds of options were available.
“I think it is actually very helpful,” Chapa said. “A lot of the vendors have been giving some really good information. She had her screening done for her vision, so I like the fact that they were doing that.”
Chapa said she was leaning toward Hollister Prep, which she thought would be a good match for her Eliana.
“I want to make sure my daughter is in a safe environment,” she said, “and that she is getting the learning that she needs for her education, as well as having fun.”
Vanessa Miller, a community coordinator for Hollister Prep School, described her school as inclusive.
“We offer resources so that every child can thrive in the classroom,” Miller said. “Regardless of their circumstances, we want to ensure that people are successful, not only in the classroom, but also at home.”
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