Early Childhood Center helps young kids learn ‘invisible skills’ in academics, socialization

Lazy afternoons do not apply to 4-year-olds. After all, training for kindergarten is a serious task.

As the minutes ticked toward the end of the day, students of Little Early Childhood Center at 16th and Piatt were hard at work. Giggles echoed through the halls as the small troops of children made their way to the classrooms for “learning through play” time.

During this hour, students were allowed to choose different activities. One child scrunched his face in concentration as he added the final piece to a teetering tower of blocks. Others sat at tables creating artistic masterpieces with markers and crayons.

To some, this might seem like the normal activities of a child. However, in USD 259’s early childhood program, it’s an important part of their education.

Wichita Public Schools provide pre-kindergarten programs for ages 3 to 4. The curriculum, outlined by the district, places an emphasis on preparing students for kindergarten.

“We want them to achieve academic and social competency,” executive coordinator Connie Powell said.

In addition to free time for play, instruction throughout the day focuses on math and literacy. Lessons are taught through small-group time and stories, and a social-emotional curriculum is implemented throughout the day.

“It’s a lot of the invisible skills that they learn here,” said curriculum coach Toni Osterbuhr.

Osterbuhr, a former kindergarten teacher, says that children with a pre-kindergarten education have an advantage when it comes time to attend kindergarten.

“It really gives them a burst of confidence,” Osterbuhr said. “They are your leaders.”

Megan Smith has been teaching kindergarten for six years at Kensler Elementary School. She encourages an early learning education for all children in order to develop socially and academically.

“It’s easier for kids to transition when they have experienced that school routine,” Smith said.

A 2013 report by the Society for Research in Child Development showed that children who receive a year of pre-kindergarten education do better in literacy and math compared to those who spend the year in day care or with a relative. Additionally, the report states that children who attend a pre-kindergarten program are more likely to graduate from high school.

Maize, Goddard, Andover and Derby school districts all provide early childhood education for ages 3 to 4. Along with Wichita Public Schools, the programs at Goddard and Derby are free but restrict enrollment to students who qualify. Factors for admission include being at risk for developmental delays and coming from a single-parent family.

Maize and Andover also offer grant-funded enrollment but provide fee-based enrollment as well.

Maize is considering building a $6.7 million Early Childhood Center designed to accommodate 300 pre-schoolers and the district’s Parents as Teachers program. The center could be part of the district’s upcoming bond issue.

Each district’s program is different. Because there are no state-regulated guidelines for pre-kindergarten education, the curriculum is created and implemented differently in each district.

USD 259’s early childhood program is available in 45 of its elementary schools as well as the Little Early Childhood Center, which is devoted entirely to pre-kindergartners. Parents have the option of enrolling their children in a morning or afternoon session, five days a week.

Teachers and administrators encourage parents to send children to their neighborhood schools in order to make a smooth transition into the next level of education.

“We want to make sure the kids are ready for kindergarten,” said curriculum coach DeDe Pierce.

Having a pre-kindergarten education can have a major impact on a student’s learning ability. But Osterbuhr emphasized that the main goal of the program is simply to get children well-adjusted to the school environment.

“Above all things, it’s a fun place to learn,” she said.

This story was originally published February 27, 2015 at 9:17 AM with the headline "Early Childhood Center helps young kids learn ‘invisible skills’ in academics, socialization."