UNIVERSITY PARK | The Family Development Center at Governors State University offers full and half-day pre-kindergarten classes to 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds.

Teachers are certified and assisted throughout the year by students from the university's Early Childhood Education bachelor's and master's degree programs.

Activities and experiences include morning meetings to share songs, finger plays, drama and movement activities; outdoor gym or atrium time where large motor and social interaction skills are developed through sand and water play; and special activities such as studio time to work with a variety of materials and on special projects. Children build things, color and draw, paint, sculpt with clay, solve puzzles and use manipulatives.

In addition to the full and half-day pre-kindergarten programs, there are also special programs for birth to 3-year-olds and their parents. The program includes home visits, group activities at the Family Development Center, and monthly parent meetings.

The Family Development Center is now enrolling students for fall 2008. Tuition adjustments are based on eligibility.

The FDC is on the campus of Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park.

For more information, call (708) 235-7300.

- THE TIMES