Letter from Katie Matthews, Asst. Superintendent for Elementary Schools

Dear Early Childhood Families,

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing the best educational experience for all students, we are excited to share proposed changes to our Early Childhood program. These updates, developed alongside early childhood staff, are designed to better meet the developmental needs of our youngest learners and reflect our belief that every child deserves a learning environment that fosters growth, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging.

Key Changes 

Developmentally Tailored Schedules for 3- and 4-Year-Olds:
The proposed schedule is specifically designed to address the unique developmental needs of each age group:

• 3-year-olds will attend morning sessions three days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) for 2 hours, allowing for focused, age-appropriate learning experiences. Mondays will remain dedicated to targeted support for students who qualify for specialized services.
• 4- to 5-year-olds will attend afternoon sessions four days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) for 2.5 hours, providing additional time for learning as they prepare for kindergarten. Mondays will also remain dedicated to targeted support for qualifying students.

This tailored approach ensures that instruction is aligned with the developmental stages of each child, fostering a more engaging and effective learning experience.

Family Engagement and Support:
The revised schedule provides opportunities for educators to engage more meaningfully with families. For example, Friday mornings (when 3-year-olds do not attend) will be used for home visits, community events, and teacher collaboration. This time will strengthen the connection between home and school, ensuring your child’s learning experience aligns with their individual needs and supports their growth.

Play-Based Preparation for Kindergarten:
The proposed changes emphasize a balanced approach to learning—combining play-based experiences with targeted, developmentally appropriate instruction. This method nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and social skills while ensuring students are receiving essential academic support. Together, these elements build a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond.

Increased Planning and Collaboration Time for Teachers:
By providing additional time for teachers to plan and collaborate, we can ensure a cohesive, high-quality learning experience for every child. This collaboration allows educators to design engaging lessons that align with early childhood standards and meet the unique needs of each learner.

Why These Changes Matter

These updates are grounded in our commitment to creating a rich, supportive learning environment that fosters growth and prepares every child for future success. By tailoring schedules to developmental needs, strengthening family-school connections, and emphasizing play-based learning, we are confident that these changes will provide your child with the best possible start to their educational journey.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about these changes, please visit our Innovative School Experience webpage or reach out through Let’s Talk. Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

Warm Regards,

Katie Matthews, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Schools