BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The early learning bus operates on a regular schedule Monday through Thursday, providing opportunities to Martin County children aged 3-5 who are not attending preschool or Head Start. Head Start director Michelle Harless and teacher Elaine Workman discussed the new service during a Kiwanis luncheon Thursday at Shufflin Café.

The bus launched in January but had been in development for about two years.

Harless explained that Dena James, the special education director, and Michel Marcum, the former early childhood director, secured a grant through the Office of Special Education and Early Learning American Rescue Plan to fund the bus.

The conversion of the bus into a mobile classroom was a collaborative effort within the Martin County School District.

“We work with a great team at Martin County,” Harless said. “The maintenance department came up with the idea of how to convert it.”

Students from the Martin County Area Technology Center did the work. The auto mechanics department removed the seats, installed generators and added air conditioning and heating units similar to those in campers.

“Our bus is unique because we use lithium-ion batteries for the generator instead of a traditional gas-powered generator,” explained Harless. “It runs quietly while we’re having class.”

Harless praised the ATC’s involvement, saying it was a valuable community service and learning opportunity for the students.

“They learned a lot about the lithium-ion battery and the generator converter, learning how to wire that,” she said. “They put extra lighting on the bus.”

The students also installed flooring and shelves, giving the interior a complete makeover.

Ward’s Signs did the wrap on the exterior, with the design inspired by Martin County students.

“We went around last year and asked students what they would like to see on the bus,” said Harless. “They wanted clouds and rainbows. The boys really wanted a dinosaur, but we couldn’t figure out how to fit that.”

The final design features Cardinals in various occupational attire, catering to the children’s imaginative inputs.

Workman, who teaches on the bus, said it offers children a preliminary educational experience, giving them a chance to socialize, see a classroom, learn to hold a pencil and learn other basic skills.

“They come in in the mornings, pick out an activity, then we sit down and do it, just like in a classroom,” Workman said. “We do our lesson that we have planned for the day, and then they pick out another activity. We do our dancing and story time and another activity. It’s not too much all at once.”

The teacher added, “Parents are welcome. A lot of parents are afraid to get on the bus, but they are welcome to stay on the bus.”

Parents, grandparents, or guardians must stay within the vicinity of the bus while their child is onboard, but Harless said it is an opportunity for them to take a break.

Operating Monday through Thursday, the bus visits different locations daily, hosting 90-minute sessions for up to five students at a time. Harless hopes to expand the program’s reach and has been trying to establish connections with Riverside Apartments.

Kiwanis President Melissa Phelps offered assistance connecting her with Martin County Housing Board members about Riverside.

Along with increasing the program’s accessibility, Harless hopes eventually to incorporate a meal provision for the participating children.

Schedule

• Dempsey Housing – Monday at 10 a.m.

• Inez Community Center – Tuesday at noon.

• Inez Community Center – Wednesday at 10 a.m.

• Dempsey Housing – Thursday at 10 a.m.

Harless extended an invitation to the community to visit the bus whenever it is in the vicinity to witness firsthand the service it provides.

For more information, call 606-298-3428 or email elaine.chaffin@martin.kyschools.us or michelle.harless@martin.kyschools.us.