First School

The world turned magical for some refugee children in January, when they started preschool at a local church’s child care center. The children, all 4 years old, came to the U.S. recently from Russia, Nepal, Iraq, Colombia, and Congo. During a first-day open house, while their parents met the preschool teachers, the kids got busy with dolls, trains, crayons, and games. “They were so eager to start,” said Mirna Dickey, IRC Family Support Coordinator, who worked with Christ Episcopal Church to enroll the families. The church’s preschool program strives to build “a community of understanding and compassion,” and has welcomed international students as part that mission. For refugee children, says Dickey, it’s a great opportunity to start communicating in a new language and becoming accustomed to American culture while making new friends.