The pieces are coming together for the new pre-K program in Opp – literally, from the components on the playground to personnel inside the classroom.

On Tuesday, the city board of education hired Tracy Wyatt as a classroom aide to assist teacher Amy Bracke. The system was awarded a $120,000 grant last month for the “Learning Everyday at Pre-School” or LEAPS, program, which will offer preschool classes for 18 four-year-olds beginning in August. Once the 18 slots are filled, potential students will be placed on a waiting list. The class will be housed inside the Opp Elementary School building.

OES Principal Brett Kinsaul said Tuesday that on July 23, parents will get their first introduction to the program.

“Things are starting to progress quickly, and we couldn’t be more excited,” Kinsaul said. “Not all students are on an even playing field when they start kindergarten. This program will allow children a chance to get the instruction they wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

“It used to be that kindergarten was all about ABCs and 123s and taking naps,” he said. “We cut out naps eight years ago, and the academics are more advanced. This program will help our students tremendously.”

Students will be selected using a needs assessment, similar to the one used for entering kindergarten students.

“Basically what it does is test to see where the student is in the learning schedule,” Kinsaul said. “The students with the most needs will be the ones chosen.”

Students will attend classes five-days-a-week for six-and-a-half hours a day. Students will not be bused to the campus.

Tuesday’s meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the OES library.

Those with questions should call 334-493-6031.