The Rock Hill Child Development Center may still be new but the students

already made themselves right at home as they enjoyed an early Thanksgiving dinner Friday.

Logan Reed, 3, could not say enough about his special meal. When asked what his favorite part was, he had an enthusiastic answer.

"Maaaashed potatoes," he said with a mouthful of food. He also wanted to give the carrots their praise as well.

After opening in the former Rock Hill Elementary School No. 3 Monday, Director Johnna Lunsford said that everything has been great during week one.

"The students were disappointed today when the teachers told them that they couldn't come tomorrow because it is Saturday," she said. "One of our main goals is to keep them enthused about learning and coming to school."

Four-year-old Allison Rawlins said she really likes everything about the school including the teachers and painting. However, one thing thing really stood out for her.

"The most fun is the slide," she said with a shy smile.

The center hosted a parent orientation Friday evening to let families of the 56 enrolled students meet with the "excellent" staff that includes four teachers, four teaching assistant and other staff, Lunsford said.

Lunsford said that the center will try to work closely with the Rock Hill Elementary and provide a curriculum that meets state standards for prekindergarten level.

"The students will gain independence while developing academic skills. They are growing socially," she said. "Some parents were surprised at how adaptable the children were."

Several construction delays caused the opening to be postponed from the original Aug. 8 date.

The school is open five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students ages three to five from within the Rock Hill district can attend.

The plans are to add a headstart unit and a daycare for children from birth to 3 years of age within the next month, Lunsford said.

The daycare would have extended hours to accommodate working families.