MENTONE — Parents seeking an alternative to traditional preschool can now register their kids for the Mentone Kindergarten Readiness Center for the 2018-2019 school year.

The program is taught by certified teachers using a research-based curriculum and ensures children are being taught with the skills that are essential to kindergarten. It runs three to five days a week from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Mentone Elementary School, located at 301 E. Jackson Street.

Parents who need to drop their children off earlier or later than the program’s scheduled hours can purchase additional childcare located inside the school through the Kosciusko Community YMCA Kid’s Club.

The costs of the program are $160 a month for five, full days a week or $145 a month for three to four days a week. Parents who meet certain financial guidelines can get a 25 percent discounted price per month.

A registration open house will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6 at Mentone Elementary in the Large Group Instruction room for parents wanting more information or to fill out an application.

Demand for the program is high. Interested parents are advised to register their child as soon as possible. Anyone with additional questions can contact the school at (574) 598-2590.