Superintendent Dr. Marc Schaffer recently visited Early Childhood Education at Stansberry to talk to E.C. Director Lamb Caro about the program and its future.
The Early Childhood program in Thompson School District serves students who are three and four years old by October 1. There are 13 sites serving 653 students from south Fort Collins to Berthoud. The Stansberry Early Childhood Center currently has ten classrooms. These include three full-day and two half-day classrooms, a family center, and a first-steps infant and toddler program.
Classroom Size and Teacher Support
The typical class size in the Early Childhood program is 16 students, with a one-to-eight ratio of students to teachers.
The program also operates with a transdisciplinary model. This means that speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and specialists work with students in the classroom for the entire day. This allows for a more comprehensive approach to education and helps meet the individual needs of each student.
A Day in the Life of an Early Childhood Student
Early childhood education is a crucial time for children to grow and develop. A typical day in an early childhood program is filled with fun and educational activities. These activities are designed to help children build the foundation for their future learning.
From the moment they arrive, staff engages students in learning opportunities that help them grow and develop. They start the day with an activity, such as writing their name or answering a question of the day. Then, they move on to a nutritious breakfast.
During the day, students participate in Circle Time, where they learn new concepts. They also participate in Center Time, where they play and explore different centers, such as a kitchen area or a block center.
The day includes outdoor playtime, lunch, and a final Circle Time to review their learning. The goal is for students to leave at the end of the day feeling happy, fulfilled, and ready to learn more.
Early Childhood Playgrounds
The playgrounds in the Early Childhood program play a vital role in the students’ overall learning experience. Through outdoor play, students can practice their large motor skills and improve their social interaction skills.
Safety is of utmost importance. The enclosed playgrounds feature shade structures to protect students from the sun. The playgrounds also have sufficient space around the equipment, with a resilient material such as wood chips, to ensure that students can safely enter and exit the equipment.
The equipment is also designed to be at an age-appropriate height, ensuring that the students can play and learn without any risk of injury. The playground experience is an integral part of the Early Childhood program, providing students with opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun.
Highly Educated Staff and Community Partnerships
Lamb Caro is proud of the highly educated staff in the Early Childhood program, most of whom have or are working toward their master’s degrees. The program also has strong partnerships with local organizations, including KidsPak, Philo Club, and the House of Neighborly Service, to provide additional resources to families.
In 2023, universal preschool will become a reality. Any family with a four-year-old child will have access to ten hours of free preschool. This is an exciting development for the Early Childhood program, as it will allow them to serve even more students in the future.
In conclusion, the Early Childhood program in Thompson School District is essential to the district’s education system. With highly educated staff, strong community partnerships, and a focus on student needs, the program is poised to continue providing high-quality education to students in the years to come.
