Islamic preschool off to good start, wants to add kindergarten

To find out how well the new Islamic preschool is working, all Surriah Igram has to do is watch her 3-year-old daughter.

“I've noticed a big change in her since it started,” Igram said. “She can do things for herself, and she doesn't need me as much anymore. Her interest in learning is better and social skills are improving.”

Igram and another parent started the My Imam Montessori Preschool in September 2009, and last month it was licensed by the Department of Human Services, making it the first licensed Islamic preschool in Eastern Iowa. Now, organizers want to add a kindergarten and a toddler room.

Their goal is to raise $5,000 to pay for furniture, toys and other materials, with hopes of having the expansion complete by this fall. Seven children are enrolled in the preschool now, and with their siblings, Igram said at least 10 kids would be in the expanded school.

“We want an enriching and nurturing environment for these kids where they feel at home, and where they don't feel out of place,” said Igram, the director of the preschool. “We've done that so far, and we want to keep it going.”

The non-profit preschool is open for three hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids, 2999 First Ave. SW. Two teachers help the 3- and 4-year-old students learn in a variety of ways. Traditional subjects like math and science are taught, but students also learn Arabic and life skills such as sewing and folding clothes.

The kindergarten would run five days a week, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the same room as the preschool. Adjacent classrooms at the Islamic Center would be used as the toddler room.

Ideally, Igram hopes a grade can be added every year until the school is complete. She said the Cedar Rapids community has been very supportive of their endeavor. One man who is not Muslim donated $500, she said.

“We're hoping we'll gain the trust of other parents in the community since we've been licensed,” Igram said. “We're taking this very seriously.”

For more information about the school or to donate to the expansion fund, visit www.myimanmontessori.org or call Igram at (319) 329-9214.