By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ —Helping students reach their full potential is something Tammy Williams believes in with all of her heart. She hopes to do just that with the implementation of an early development class at Kids College beginning Aug. 10.

Tammy Williams, a graduate of Alcorn State University and long time tutor, has developed a program, along with the assistance of her husband, Ernest Williams, to help 3 and 4 year olds with number correlation and word recognition.

“My goal is to help as many children prepare for Kindergarten as possible,” Tammy Williams said. “With this program, they will understand the basics skills in math and reading, and they will be able to understand the 5 W’s of a sentence: who, what, when, where and why.”

Geraldine Williams, who along with her husband Dan Williams, Jr, own Kids College, thinks the program is necessary and hopes parents will enroll their children so they may benefit from what is being taught.

“You want to get as much information into children before the age of 5, so they will not be behind in school,” Geraldine Williams said. “They can easily fall behind if they do not have the skills they need.”

For Tammy, the class will mean more to the children than just having the proper skill-set.

“So many kids get into a school setting, unprepared, and they are frightened,” she said. “We want to get them familiar with what they will face in school, so they will not be scared.”

Tammy, who has been tutoring children for more than twenty years, said she was inspired by her daughter, E’Keria Williams, to do something for children to help them succeed.

“We have a curriculum just like the schools, and we will operate within the same calendar as the school,” Tammy Williams said. “We will have lessons and skills tests every week.”

Students will enroll in the program, which will operate under the umbrella of Kids College. The day will begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m., with extended daycare until 5:30 p.m. Also, each student will have two meals and a snack everyday.

“We expect a full class this fall,” Tammy Williams said. “Parents should see a change in their children within two weeks. I guarantee success.”

The center also has a program for 1 and 2 year olds which readies the children for the next level. The children learn nursery rhymes and basic manipulation (motor) skills.

Geraldine said Tammy has a God-given gift to help students, and she has proven her ability with her personal tutoring services, EEW Tutoring.

“I have always felt called to do this,” Tammy Williams said. “God blessed me with the ability, and I have tutored and helped people in school for many years. I think it is so important to help our children and encourage them.”

Parents who would like more information about the program or who wish to enroll their children in the program can call Tammy Williams 601-597-4326. The program does accept state vouchers, and space is limited.