Parents and Data Support Early Learning Preschool

“She loves school because of this wonderful preschool experience!” wrote one parent on an end-of-year survey. Other parents shared similar sentiments on their own surveys, many noting in detail how the early learning preschool program had made a positive difference for their child.

The three- and four-year-old Early Learning Preschool Program is concluding its second year in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. District data indicates that this early intervention is already making an impact on student performance and positive attitude towards school.

“Both of my children have been involved in the Early Learning Preschool program at Wright Elementary School, and I couldn't be more pleased with the schedule, curriculum, and staff,” wrote a parent. “The girls love school, and the benefits of their learning are reflected at home. It's great to hear them singing the songs they've learned, talking about lessons, and reminding each other to do their personal best and make good choices. I would definitely recommend the Early Learning Program to any parent with preschool-age children.”

“When one of our preschoolers started with us 9 months ago, he was a happy but shy child who knew a couple of his colors and just a handful of letters,” noted Jennifer Schear, Wright Early Learning Preschool (ELP) teacher. “Today, he proudly recites the entire alphabet and is identifying many letter sounds, as well!”

According to District data, four-year-old students entering the ELP program recognized an average of 14 upper and lowercase letters out of 52. The end of year data shows the average has climbed to 41. This is a 56% increase. The children arrived able to rote count to an average of 14. The average has climbed to 37, according to end of year data. At the start of the program, children recognized an average of 4 numbers out of 21. The end of year data shows the average has climbed to 14. This is a 48% increase.

“This information demonstrates how important the early learning program is to promoting early reading and math skills,” explained Greg O'Connell, Wright Elementary School principal. “This will not only help with a successful kindergarten year, but it will also make an impact on their academic performance throughout their entire school experience.

“Preschool helps provide students with the foundation they need to be successful in Kindergarten,” added Carrie Fairley, Wright Kindergarten teacher. “ELP students seem to have an edge on academic skills such as alphabet recognition, counting, number recognition, shape, and color identification. Social skills are drastically different than those students who did not attend preschool. Students with a preschool experience seem to have a better understanding of following directions and being able to sit quietly in large group. Students seem to develop independence more readily after a preschool experience. Kindergarten follows a rapid pace, and it has become crucial for students to attend preschool.”

At Wright, 69% of preschoolers are considered to be at the 130% poverty level or below. Therefore, the state-wide funded preschool program provides the opportunity for children who may not have otherwise had any preschool experience. The ELP Program follows the Creative Curriculum which focuses on the four main developmental areas: social-emotional, cognitive, language, and motor skills.

“Our students have grown by leaps and bounds in the area of social-emotional development,” explained Lindsey Boleyn, Wright ELP teacher. “We often begin the school year with shy and reserved kiddos who do not know how to interact with others. They progress immensely and learn to cooperate, appropriately play, and socialize with their peers. It's an amazing process to observe.”