Backpacks and all, the kids are "listo," that's "ready" in Spanish, for their first day. This three-week pilot program serves as an English crash course for 16 Latino youngsters before school starts. Five-year-old Daniela learned how to sort colors Monday.

"The red ones go in the red line and blue in the blue line," said Daniela Calle.

Daniela and her cousin, Sofia, spoke English all throughout recess.

"Our goal at least though is to teach the kids English so they have basic vocabulary for day one of kindergarten," said Sarah Pedrazas, a teacher for the "Listo" program.

Pedrazas wants them to succeed from the very first moment they step in the classroom.

"When they enter kindergarten there will be as successful of a transition for them as it will be for their classmates," said Philip Peters, the program organizer.

Peters' idea became a reality when he received the funds for the program.

The University of Missouri's Cambio Center is funding the "Listo" summer school program through a $10,000 grant. They're doing it in hopes of a head start for these Hispanic children.

Marlen Kanagui, their bus driver, says this program will build their confidence in the classroom.

"I can only imagine what it's like to be a child of this age going into a school system with a brand new language that you've never heard before.  I imagine that could be really anxiety-provoking," Kanagui said.

Daniela says she is happy at her summer school program "because I speak two languages."

Researchers will track the success of the program through pre- and post-tests. If the outcome is successful, they will find the means to fund the program annually. The program is being held at First Baptist Church's Child Development Program on East Broadway in Columbia.