We’re excited to partner with an established and revered preschool on Bequia to provide extended care for children of working families. The program launches this coming September.
Glen’s Preschool was begun by Glynis King in 1982—her nickname is Glen, and hence the name of the school—and it has been revered for decades. In large part, that’s because of Glynis herself. She is no-nonsense when she needs to be, though she also has the kind of personality that you’d want in someone who works with children—warm, caring, with a capacity to provide empathetic direction both to staff and students. Seeing her in the school environment, it’s clear that she has their respect for all the right reasons.
The preschool is a care and activity centre for about 45 children. Tucked away, next to the Anglican Primary School, it’s one of those places that you tend to hear before you see it. When the kids aren’t in instruction, there’s that infectious sound of play. The school has play areas both in front and behind, as well as play and teaching spaces indoors.
The main focus of the school is to help children socialize, play, and enhance their development in preparation for general education. Activities include structured learning, story time, and various play-based educational opportunities.
The school days end at 2:30, and at noon on Fridays. By offering extended care—until 5 Monday through Thursday, and until 3 on Friday—we’re able to support working families, especially single parents and mothers who are often the primary caregivers. Without access to reliable after-school or extended care, parents often have to choose between earning an income and caring for their children.
Extended child care also offers critical developmental and educational support for children during the hours when they might otherwise be unsupervised. Safe, structured environments provide opportunities for play, learning, and socialization—experiences that are foundational to long-term success in school and life. For many, a trusted child care option can make a significant difference in a family’s daily life.
The program begins with its first 20 students at the beginning of the new school year.
grenadinesinitiative.ca 