One Year Later, Consolidated Preschool is a Success Story

8/24/2012

One year ago, in August 2011, preschool students walked through the doors at 936 Eastwind Drive to begin classes in a newly-renovated space designed to inspire young learners and their teachers. It was a bold vision. Designers created a playful environment on the main floor that includes a slide and interactive wall components that mimic a town - "Westervillage" – with features like a pretend police station, fire station, pet store, café and gas station. The design also incorporated different types of surfaces within the façade, including stone, brick, paint and siding. A natural outdoor learning environment was built which included unconventional playground equipment, pathways, sand pits, and a small amphitheater. The learning space hallways were adorned with tiny, brightly colored lockers which are easily accessible for small hands. A large, general activity space, christened the “Sun Room,” was the centerpiece of the teaching area, used for daily motor instruction, a preschool curriculum requirement. An art studio was included in the plan for creative endeavors. Brightly-colored classrooms were equipped with books and toys and games geared towards learning, and pint-sized bathrooms were close at hand. Technology was added to each classroom with access for all children in the early childhood learning environment. It looked beautiful. But would it work? One year later, the resounding answer is yes!

Last school year, preschool classes were moved to the Early Learning Center from seven elementary school buildings (Cherrington, Hanby, Hawthorne, McVay, Pointview, Robert Frost, and Wilder). This opened up space at the elementary schools to accommodate growth, and served to consolidate preschool and place it in close proximity to the district’s Special Education professionals, whose offices are located upstairs.

On August 20, 2012, more than 200 preschoolers arrived for morning and afternoon classes. This year the staff knew from experience that the children would be well served; that classes would run smoothly; and that the facility is a perfect setting for providing top quality educational services to the district’s youngest students.

Ann Lockett, Director of Preschool Services, cited a number of advantages which have been achieved by consolidating preschool classes at the Early Learning Center.

Communication has increased among the preschool staff because they now work in close proximity.
There is increased daily collaboration between teachers and therapists supporting special needs students and their families.
Equipment can be easily shared since preschool classes are no longer spread across so many buildings throughout the school district.
Time is used efficiently as teachers and therapists no longer have to travel from building to building.
Psychologists can observe and support student behavior needs and plans in one setting, moving easily from one learning environment to another.
Parent interaction has increased as they arrive daily to pick up and drop off their children, many of whom take a turn on the slide. The Special Needs PTA has grown substantially in number and support since most preschool classes were moved to the Early Learning Center.
Student supports can easily move from one classroom to another, depending on where they are most needed.
The co-teaching environments work for the students and teachers, allowing access to more specifically designed instruction and learning.

Four external preschool classes are still located at Alcott and Whittier, but the ultimate plan is for total consolidation at the Early Learning Center by fall of 2013. Students, teachers and parents have indicated that the Westerville City School District is on the right track where preschool is concerned.