Kinder Korner Preschool encourages learning
By MARK PAVILONS Editor

A parent-driven program at a new Bolton preschool will try to make your child's early learning experience a truly unforgettable one.

Kinder Korner Preschool and Respite Centre, set to open later this month, is Bolton's newest, ministrylicensed preschool. Located in the Bolton Medical Centre, Regional Road 50 south of George Bolton Parkway, Kinder Korner is the brainchild of registered social worker Kimberly Hesketh, a long-time resident and mother of three.

Hesketh saw a need to help Bolton and area families with their preschool needs. Currently there are few preschool programs that offer part-time sessions, which provide flexibility to suit all parents' needs.

Kinder Korner offers offers two-to-five-day sessions, running 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. They will also offer an afterschool program, running from 3:15 to 6 p.m. They also welcome short-term drop-offs and they will give parents a break during the Christmas shopping rush, with a Christmas Camp, which will be held certain days for up to six hours.

Kinder Korner also hopes to hold March Break and summer camps.

The spacious and well equipped centre will also be available for children's birthday parties.

Hesketh observed there are several places in the area where older kids can have their parties, but there's not much geared to toddlers/preschoolers. Kinder Korner fills the void and is a convenient setting for children aged 2 1/2 to 5.

"We have a curriculum, however, we really encourage parents to tell us what they want their child to learn and experience," Hesketh said.

The three qualified staff at Kinder Korner are more than up to the challenge, and promise to create a lively and entertaining preschool atmosphere.

Another element of Kinder Korner is the respite aspect. Unique to the preschool setting, Kinder Korner offers help to those who need it. Staff will provide parents and caregivers some much-needed breathing space, by guiding youngsters with special needs or illnesses. Hesketh has several years of experience working with children and adults with various disabilities. She said counselling is an option for families who need someone to talk to.

"We really want Kinder Korner to reflect the needs and unique qualities of its children," Hesketh said.

Along with the program essentials, Hesketh said they are very flexible and will accommodate parents' needs and entertain special requests.

Part of the program includes music and movement, a discovery science area, and even computers, along with a dramatic centre, sand and water, toys and games, and much more. Scrapbooks and journals will be kept for parents to keep them in the know about how their child is progressing. Staff also plan monthly newsletters.

Kinder Korner believes in making parents feel comfortable. To that end, they have also created a parents' lounge where moms and dads can stay and watch their kids in action, or simply take time out to chat, network and enjoy a coffee.

A lot of TLC has gone into transforming the 1,500- square-foot facility into a truly welcoming preschool setting. The calm colours, pale blue ceiling tiles and cheerful, fun murals on the walls attest to their attention to detail.

A grand opening celebration and open house are in the works and parents will be invited to pay them a visit and see what's in store.

Kinder Korner is now accepting registration. Early registrations receive a 10% discount. To register, or find out more, contact Hesketh at

905-857-0818.