University of Maine at Presque Senior Physical Education major Emily Staples is getting hands-on experience working with local kids right on campus during the Fall 2012 semester. Under her faculty advisor’s direction, Staples is providing quality physical education lessons twice a week to the children attending the KuriouCity Childcare and Learning Center, located on the University campus on the first floor of Kelley Commons.

Dr. Chris Standefer and KuriouCity Director Sue Bell met this summer to discuss the possibility of providing physical education programming for the 2- to 8-year-old children in the day care center. The result of their conversation was to have a senior-level student lead this programming to give the youngsters some fun daytime activities while providing the UMPI student with a valuable teaching opportunity.

Dr. Standefer said she is thrilled with the opportunity to have one of her students work with an area agency in this unique way.

“I’m always looking for ways for my students to have a chance to teach physical education,” Standefer said. “I immediately thought of Emily and I know that she will do an outstanding job. I hope to be able to continue this working relationship with the KuriouCity day care center for both my students and the children in the day care center.”

Bell said KuriouCity staffers are equally excited to have this new partnership with the University.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for the children of KuriouCity Childcare and Learning Center to obtain the benefits of organized group play,” she said. “We take great pride in being able to say our program has this unique feature to offer the children and parents we serve.”

Emily Staples, of Trenton, has extensive experience working with very young children. She is very excited about this opportunity and already has planned and led a number of fun activities for the children.

“I am so thankful for this opportunity,” Staples said. “It allows me to work directly with the age group that I have focused my studies on. And these kiddos are amazing – every day provides a new challenge, experience, and a very exciting lesson!”

For more information about UMPI’s Physical Education Program, or to talk with Dr. Standefer about potential opportunities for Physical Education majors to provide classes in the community, please call 768-9457.