USD 475 believes that academic success begins at a very early age. Geary County schools has made access to high-quality early childhood programs a top priority. Recently, the district has worked to expand the preschool program to more schools, to ensure every young child in the district has an opportunity for academic success.
Stephanie Bogenhagen is the Principal of the Early Childhood Program. Her smile and dedication to her students are hard to miss. “It is impossible to have a bad day here,” she says. For the past few years, she has worked with the district to expand the preschool program. Her goal, and the district’s, is to offer preschool programs at every elementary school throughout the district.
Currently, USD offers both full and half-day programs at 10 locations, including three locations on Fort Riley. Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, they will begin offering a 5-day school week and will offer more full-day preschool opportunities at most elementary school locations. Preschool can be an important transition period for children getting ready for kindergarten. “Early
education allows students exposure to appropriate social and academic skills prior to entering kindergarten,” she says. “The research is very clear about how impactful a high-quality early childhood educational experience can be on a child’s future success in school and beyond. Building the foundation during a child’s preschool years is vital because it’s an optimal time during their brain development.“
The goal of integrating these opportunities into elementary buildings is important to district leadership as it allows this foundation to be established within their educational home for Kindergarten through
5th grade. “It allows parents to partner with schools and their staff very early in their child’s educational experience.”
The Early Childhood classrooms provide programs that mirror the kindergarten classrooms throughout the district. There are tables and chairs for group lessons, Promethean boards for interactive learning, and a curriculum created using the same components and approaches utilized in kindergarten. Every classroom has a licensed teacher, and they are trained specifically to work with preschool-aged children.
The EC Program wants to ensure equal access to quality education for every child. The program offers a variety of services for children that have individualized needs. There are special education classes
devoted to children with exceptionalities, sensory and therapy rooms, and teachers that are specifically trained in Early Childhood Special Education. There is an English Language Learner class that has an emphasis on helping children become fluent English speakers, while ensuring that they are supported in their native language as well. Within all of these specially designed programs and the general education classrooms, all children are still provided the same curriculum to prepare them for Kindergarten.
Through the Infant and Toddler Program, the district offers screenings for children from birth-three years old whose parent have concerns about their development. If the child is found in need of early intervention, this program partners with the family to develop a plan to address their needs within their home. The district also offers in-home services to children birth-five years old through Parents as
Teachers, which focuses on teaching parents strategies to encourage the on-going progress of their children in all areas of development. Parents as Teachers also offers families the Triple P Parenting
program to learn effective discipline strategies to address their child’s behavioral needs effectively.
Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Geary County USD 475, believes that a strong preschool program lays the foundation for the future success of our students. “If we start with early intervention
and preparation, students will enter school more prepared to take advantage of all that the district has to offer them.”
For more information, or to begin the process of enrolling your child in the preschool program, please visit the district website at http://www.usd475.org or call the Early Childhood Center at 785-717-6950.