A new Pre-k program in the Largo area is helping parents with day care costs and giving high school students hands-on experience as educators.

  • Largo Little Packers for children 3 and up
  • Parents who teach in Pinellas get preference
  • High school students get credit toward DCF coursework

Largo Little Packers is the new public day care program at Largo High School, where parents that teach in the Pinellas district get preference. The program operates Monday through Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. caring for children 3 and up.

Parent Garius Goshay told us he doesn't want to miss a thing about his son's childhood.

“I’m excited with his growth, talking to him after, 'How was your day?' 'What did you do today?,' to see the excitement on his face,” said Goshay.

As a teacher at Largo High, thanks to Largo Little Packers, Goshay can now visit his son any time he wants.

“Coming at lunch, seeing him on the playground and peek through the window and seeing him interacting with students and the teacher, is a joy,” said Goshay.

Maybe most advantageous for parents who utilize the program is the cost -- only $100 per week.

“The cost is a big difference," said Marcus Paschal, parent and football coach at Largo High. "I was talking to another parent, as they go older it gets a little cheaper."

However, parents are not the only ones benefiting from the program. High school students can also take advantage of the program to obtain valuable experience.   

“[Students] get a certificate that says they completed some of the Department of Children and Family courses and when they graduate they have another certificate to go teach preschool,” said Kristine Volin, group teacher for the program.

The program serves as a way to put into practice what the high school students learn in class.

“Here, we teach them things, it’s a lot more hands-on,” said student Halie Squires.

The hope is to grow Largo Little Packers so that the service can be provided throughout the district. The only other location offering a similar program within the district is Countryside Little Cougars, north of Clearwater.