Darlington Arts Center launches expanded preschool program

An open house event on Valentine’s Day paved the way for introducing the Darlington Arts Center newly expanded preschool program in Garnet Valley. The popular arts center now offers a full 5-day a week preschool with a unique focus of engagement with the arts plus foreign language development. Area children and their parents enjoyed creative activities throughout the morning event, each activity involving the arts. “Darlington is thrilled to welcome several new children and families and show off our new preschool program in addition to the other opportunities to explore and excel through the arts, says Executive Director Eric Carter- Thompson. “The arts pro- vide a dynamic springboard to learning. Music, art, dance, and drama are the four cornerstones of the preschool program of advanced learning at Dar- lington. Each plays an in- tegral part in a journey of growth and discovery, en- abling young children to experience success, build trust, and gain greater selfconfidence.”

Darlington also offers the opportunity to learn a second language through a partnership with Language University. “We are pleased to enhance the early learning experience and incorporate the introduction of a second language for our students,” says Carter-Thompson.

Skilled teaching professionals are adapting the Darlington preschool and kindergarten curriculum to introduce Spanish during the daily regimen. The arts center has plans to include other languages as the program matures. “Incorporating the arts increases multi-sensory awareness, building linkage between concepts and creating solid building blocks for learning,” says Carter-Thompson. “This is also an ideal time to introduce second language learning.”

“We like Language University’s approach and philosophy to language skill building for young learners,” concluded Eric Carter Thompson. The program introduces children to major world languages and cultures through fun and engaging activities, in a low-stress approach.

Darlington Arts Center is a non-profit community arts center with classes, lessons and workshops in music, art, dance, and drama for all ages serving over 4,000 residents annually. Darlington hosts monthly art exhibitions, recitals, and master classes in addition to professional Gallery Exhibitions, Coffee House Concerts, and outreach programs. It is located at 977 Shavertown Road, Garnet Valley, PA, less than a mile east of Route 202, just south of Route 1, and 1¼ miles from the Delaware state line. For more information, please visit www. darlingtonarts.org or call 610-358-3632.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY DARLINGTON ARTS CENTER Children enjoy story time and dramatics with Teaching Artist Sarah Gober.

An introduction to music and piano instruction with Teaching Artist Tina Simon was a big hit with young learners during the morning event.

Students were introduced to a Spanish Language game with instructor Lia Andrews from the Language University.

An art project featuring the stamping of hearts was a popular activity.

Visiting children during the Valentine’s party and open house event enjoyed sampling the four-art experience at Darlington. Included was an active dance segment.