The tiny doll-like colorful coats, mittens, scarfs and school bags hung on the small wooden lockers outside the classrooms of the First Congregational Church preschool.

Open in 1965 the preschool is a non-profit, non-denominational outreach program that provides classes for 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children.

Currently, there are 52 students enrolled in the three classes offered during the week. Four and 5-year-old students attend Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and another group meets Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The school year at the preschool runs parallel to that of a public school, with the day starting

at 9 a.m. and ending at 11:30 a.m.

In one of the classrooms, images of Arthur, Curious George and Clifford decorate one of the walls toward the back. Toy-like chairs are placed by a mirror

with variety of hats, along with the large yellow plastic Tonka cars for the students to used during play time.

"I enjoy helping children grow and helping their families by sharing tips," said Carolyn Bogott, one of the two certified teachers at the at the school.

The rest of the staff includes Lori Siegfried and teacher aides Audrey Hastings and Sandy Erdahl.

The program has pretty much stayed the same over the years, Bogott said, but the needs of children have changed to some degree.

"We work on structural routine, learning to trust the group and building their individual skills," Bogott said.

After 22 years in the program, Bogott contributes part of the success of the school to its good reputation and the quality of the program.

"We have many families that have continued to bring their children and built tradition," Bogott said.

Parents tell each other about the school and their experience, Bogott said.

All four of Mary Flaherty's children have attended the preschool. This year is her daughter Mariel's turn.

"I have had a good past experience with the teachers and the program. I would definitely recommended to anyone," Flaherty said.

Someone also told Renee Gogolewski about the program.

"I chose it because of all the referrals. I love the set up of the classrooms and the playground," Gogolewski said as she picked up her daughter, Abby, after school.

The playground was built two years ago. During times when the low temperatures prevent the children from playing outside, the school provides an indoor playground in the basement.

The large room facilitates activities for art and crafts activities, a basketball hoop, a castle, a trampoline and several tricycles.

The quantity of windows surrounding the room creates an outdoor effect, with light shinning through the glass.

Although the program is run adjacent to the First Congregational Church, the program is not religious, Bogott pointed out.

The decision was made so all children, regardless of their religious background, could attend. The school is run by a board of directors.

Fees for classes depend on how often the child wants to attend school. For two days, parents pay $46 per month, $65 for three days and $111 for five days per week.

The daily program consists of playtime, clean-up time, snack time, book time, music, story time, circle time and outside time.

It allows children who are an only child, or the oldest in the family, to have a chance to interact, the teachers said.

"A program like this enriches the community because it brings them all together, while enriching our children," Flaherty said.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com