MOSES LAKE — It’s “just a lot of fun” sitting on the floor and playing with kids, helping them learn new things and do something for the very first time.

At least that’s what 29-year-old mother of four Jessica Cox says.

Cox is a student at Big Bend Community College, a quarter away from earning her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She was also one of several students in the BBCC early childhood education program to participate in the Early Literacy Fair at the Moses Lake Public Library recently.

The fair, organized by BBCC and the library, brought together student volunteers with local service providers — including Moses Lake Community Clinic, dentist Vera Hamlin, and eye doctor George Sisson — to help kids up to age 5 and their parents get a taste of education and find out what services are available.

Along the way, a lot of young children found themselves at craft tables touching or hearing or doing something for the very first time.

“We had a scissors cutting station, and seeing kids holding scissors for the first time, because even at 2, kids need to start with those skills,” Cox said. “It’s fun to educate parents, because some were terrified, but they also came away thinking maybe this is something I need to get for my child.”

Kids hunted and fished for letters, heard stories and songs, ate pizza, and got their eyes and teeth checked — everything to ensure healthy children and families ready for school.

“There were lots of letters, sounds, and listening,” said BBCC Early Childhood Education instructor Jenny Nighswonger.

According to Cox, about 75 kids and their parents came through on Monday.

“It wasn’t as large as last year,” Cox said.

When she graduates from BBCC, Cox hopes to put her skills and education to work running her own in-home daycare in Moses Lake. She already loves caring for and teaching small children, and helping them safely meet and encounter the world.

“I enjoyed introducing children to a task, and introducing them to a simple task that was so interesting to them,” Cox said.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at [email protected].