Of the more than 20 years Missy Walls has been teaching, this year more than most has been a year of change, progress and rewarding results.
For the first time in Walls’ career and at Falls Elementary, all-day preschool programs for 3- and 4-year old students have been offered since September, and so far, she said, it is a success.
For someone who refers to herself as “a little old-school” when it comes to teaching, Walls admitted she was skeptical of the all-day offering at first, but looked at the opportunity as a new adventure. Six months later, any doubt she had is completely gone.
“I didn’t know how the kids, especially 3-year-olds, would adapt to an all-day program,” she said. “But it has been better than I ever imagined.”
The students are naturals at handling lunchtime, the bus schedule, and have even given up afternoon naps for a quiet break, Walls said. And, above all, they are advancing socially and academically.
“At the beginning of the year, I had some non-verbal children,” Walls said. “Now they’re talking. It’s so rewarding to watch them grow. They’ll be ready for kindergarten, but might not have been without this extra push.”
The all-day programs are a result of action by the Falls School Board last February to add the section at elementary school and also waved tuition fees for preschoolers. The decision, officials said, stems from the attempt to close achievement gaps and get children enrolled in the school system sooner.
“Closing that gap is so important,” Falls Elementary Principal Melissa Tate said. “When we were requiring fees, a lot of families couldn’t afford to send their child to preschool. Now we are getting some kids who might be considered at-risk and are able to get them on track sooner.”
Walls said in her 3-year-old class, which runs two days per week, she is certain there are children who wouldn’t have been able to take advantage of the program had there been a cost to do so.
“It’s been so great to catch those kids,” she said. “There is research that shows drop out rates are lower if kids start a structured learning program early...To me, it’s very exciting to have this opportunity.”
Cost is worth it
On top of Walls’ all-day sections, the district also offers half-day classes for 3- and 4-year-old students taught by Mandi Baron and Kristie LaVigne, respectively. All together, about 115 preschool students are serviced. Public schools receive funding for the number of students enrolled, however, that doesn’t apply to those in a preschool program.
According to Superintendent Kevin Grover, some money is secured through school readiness dollars for preschool, but for the most part, the program, which next year could cost $204,000, is unfunded.
“Do I think it’s worth it? Yes, 100 percent,” Grover said. “But that money has to come from somewhere.”
And the program is quickly outgrowing itself.
Preschool registration Monday resulted in more than 20 names on a waiting list for the 4-year-old, all-day program, leaving several parents wondering if their child will end up with a spot.
“That right there is enough need for a whole other class and more,” Grover said of the wait list. “I know there are a good number of people who didn’t get in...I want to consider options and we’re going to have to look quickly and get some ideas out there...If there are things we can change to serve more people, I support it, but we’ll have to see how far we can go.”
He added there is the possibility of legislation kicking out some money for 4-year-old programs, but that can’t be counted on just yet, he said.
“I think we need to serve anyone who is interested, but on the other hand, we’ll have to look at that keeping in mind it’s at the expense of other offerings,” Grover said. “And, of course, the (school) board would have the final say.”
Regardless, the interest is exciting for the district, Tate said.
“The program is making a name for itself,” she said. “I believe our preschool program is top of the line...It’s an investment not only in our school district, but our community as well. The board deserves kudos...This is pure cost, yes, but I believe it’s worth it.”
