Preschoolers celebrate Community Helpers Week

The Des Plaines Park District Creative Corners Preschool celebrated its annual Community Helpers Week May 3-6 with a visit from Des Plaines Police Officer Colin Johnson. The week is part of an ongoing effort to teach the children communication and life skills, and prepare them for elementary school.

Officer Colin Johnson taught the class how to recognize a police officer by his insignia and uniform. He stressed the importance of "Stranger Danger" and how to react when approached by unknown adults. Johnson discussed the importance of using the "Buddy System" when the children are at play, bike safety tips, especially the importance of wearing a helmet, and how and when to call 911. Officer Johnson also talked about what to do if the children ever found a gun while visiting a grandparent's or neighbors' home.

The preschool students each had the opportunity to sit in Officer Johnson's squad car, use the radio and hear the siren.

"The more they know, the less they have to fear," Johnson said. "This is one of the most important units we cover," said Terrific Three's Preschool director, Heidi Szalajka. "Children only get one chance when it comes to strangers and dangerous situations, and we are so thankful the Des Plaines Police Department allows their officers to take the time to stress these life saving ideas."

"We invite professionals from the community to visit our class year round," said Szalajka, "but the police and firemen, who were hear last week, make the biggest and most important impression on our students."