Parents of children 10 months to 31/2 years old can rest easy.

The Sequim Pre-Three Cooperative, affiliated with Peninsula College’s family life education program, will continue winter quarter.

In November, organizers spoke out in desperation trying to find a new location for the early education program. The location at the time – First Teacher – was only available for afternoon classes and parents were requesting morning classes that worked better with work and school schedules and with nap times.

After much time spent searching, Pre-Three organizers reached an agreement with Trinity United Methodist Church to rent two rooms in the church’s children’s wing once a week for the same amount the cooperative was paying at First Teacher, approximately $30 per day.

The church has separate rooms for parents and children to learn in, storage space, an attached auditorium and a fenced play area for children – four of the key ingredients parents were asking for.

"We appreciate that they were able to accommodate us," said Susan Baritelle, Sequim Pre-Three Cooperative secretary and fundraising chairman. "It’s working out great."

Baritelle described the agreement as "long-term."

"It’s been a real blessing," she said.

Winter quarter starts Jan. 9. Classes are 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Fridays. Parents, grandparents and guardians are encouraged to sign up with their youngsters.

A preschool teacher and a parent educator supervise each session. Children spend the first hour with the preschool teacher while parents work with the parent educator; the second hour is spent playing and learning together.

Since the change in location, at least two families have signed up for classes who wouldn’t have been able to if the classes were still in the afternoon, Baritelle said.

Openings are still available. For more information or to register, call Teresa Geer at 582-0528.