By Mary Myers-Reinarts, Early Learning Coordinator
Early education is alive and strong at Hutchinson Public Schools! Offering opportunities for families with young children between the ages of birth up to kindergarten enrollment, our early learning programs are designed to recognize parents as their child’s first and foremost teacher. We are here to support you in this role. Working out of West Elementary School, our team offers several early learning programs for children and their parents.
The ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) program offers classes for parents and children, aged birth to kindergarten enrollment. The classes provide an opportunity for parents to meet other parents with similar aged children, and take part in learning activities supported by early childhood and parent educators. Our class offerings are listed in the Hutchinson Park/Recreation/Community Education brochure, or online at www.hutchinsonprce.com. Limited classes for summer 2024 will be offered, with full offerings available fall 2024. Join us for fun and learning!
Early Childhood Screening also takes place at West Elementary School. It is a free check of how your three- or four-year-old child is growing, developing, and learning. We encourage parents to register their child soon after the child’s third birthday. For more information, call us at 320-234-2624 or visit our website at www.isd423.org to schedule an appointment.
Early intervention makes a difference. Our Early Intervention team works closely with families. While every child is unique, children generally develop in certain predictable ways. If you are concerned about your child’s development, growth or learning, contact your healthcare provider, your school district, or Help Me Grow at HelpMeGrowMN.org or 1-866-693-4769. Early Intervention can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills, meet challenges, and can increase success in daily life and later in school.
Play and Learn Preschool is also found in West Elementary School. Designed for children who are three- or four-years-old as of September 1st of each school year, Play and Learn is a structured, supportive preschool setting where children can participate in a variety of activities appropriate to their developmental level. We work to promote children’s communication and language skills, build social skills, develop gross and fine motor skills, increase general knowledge, nurture creativity, teach pre-academics, foster kindergarten readiness, and offer parent involvement opportunities. Play and Learn Preschool is an inclusive program which integrates children with special needs. Tuition assistance and limited school transportation may be available to your family.
Call 320-234-2624 for more information.
Our preschool STAR program is a classroom-based special education program for preschool age children. The STAR program allows teachers to create individualized routines for every student. The program philosophy is to provide a structured, supportive setting where children can participate in a variety of activities appropriate for their developmental level. All children benefit from the services of licensed professionals and educational assistants.
Please contact Mary Myers-Reinarts at 320-234-2624 for more information about any of our programs. Early learning programs make a big difference in the lives of young children, paving the way for future school and life success. We strive to support parents as the voice and most important advocate for their young child. Consider participating in one of our early learning programs. We are so excited to help you and your child learn and grow!
