By Kris Goracke

Reporter

Deciding to send your three or four-year-old child to preschool is a significant step for both parent and child, whether for half or full days, three or four days a week. Raquel Schmitz, the Minnewaska Area Little Lakers Preschool coordinator, offers valuable advice for parents considering this decision. She emphasizes that preschool provides an excellent opportunity to introduce children to the school environment. 

Little Lakers Preschool focuses on developing social and emotional skills, large and fine motor skills, literacy, and learning. “At Little Lakers Preschool, our curriculum centers on a child’s physical, social, and emotional development, language literacy, and critical thinking. Schmitz said these skills provide children with the tools needed to succeed. She also noted that many parents choose to enroll their child in several years of preschool, as each year offers different experiences while maintaining the same curriculum focus.  

In a December 2023 article from greatschools.org, it is noted that preschool serves as the initial introduction to structured learning for many children, where children encounter teachers and interact with their peers. It is an opportunity for children to learn fundamental skills such as sharing, following instructions, and laying the foundation for life-long learning.

The Minnewaska Area Little Lakers Preschool uses a play-based approach to learning, which nurtures the development of literacy, social-emotional skills, and writing abilities in children. Minnewaska Elementary School Principal Sue Currens explains, “Our curriculum aligns with the Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress and the district’s educational framework.” She emphasizes the advantage of integrating the preschool curriculum with the K-3 programs, saying, “We are fortunate to have our preschool tied to the curriculum with our K-3 programs. This enables our teachers to collaborate and share, creating a seamless education for every child.”

According to a College of Education News article, studies suggest that a strong alignment between preschool and the K-12 system, particularly kindergarten through third grade, can help prevent ‘Pre-K fadeout,’ a phenomenon where the initial benefits of preschool diminish over time.  

At Little Lakers Preschool, learning is focused on several key areas:

Physical development: The curriculum emphasizes both large and fine motor skills, with activities including crafts, writing, and active play indoors and outdoors.

Social development:  Through play-based learning, children enhance their social, language, and self-control skills. They also learn conflict resolution strategies.

Emotional development:  This aspect focuses on helping children understand and manage their emotions and empathize with others.

Language and literacy development:  Communicating and listening are vital skills, just as talking, reading, and writing are.

Academically, the children are introduced to letters, numbers, and writing their names. 

Cognitive skills:  Children are encouraged to think critically, make decisions, and solve problems. They are encouraged to ask questions and reflect on their learning experiences.

“A typical day at Little Lakers Preschool starts with breakfast, small group music, and language/literacy activities. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, multi-sensory activities to encourage exploration and learning. We promote learning among students by encouraging curiosity,” said Schmitz. 

Throughout the school year, licensed teachers monitor the progress and development of children, offering conferences each fall and spring. The Little Lakers program is supported by an early intervention team of early childhood special education teachers and related service providers to assist children who may qualify for their services. “We are fortunate to have these services within our district. We can identify when a child may need special services and offer those services right within the classroom,” said Schmitz.

Little Lakers Preschool has a 

Four-Star Parent Aware rating

The Little Lakers Preschool has been awarded the Four-Star Parent Aware Rating. According to the Parent Aware website, “Families Use Parent Aware Star Ratings to find programs using research-based best practices that prepare children for school and life. When a program participates in the Parent Aware Star Rating process, it lets its stars shine.”

Parent Aware Ratings are based on the demonstrated use of research-based practices that prepare children for school and life. Each rating level builds on the previous one, helping families quickly identify which practices the program is using. The four-star rating has demonstrated all One-, Two-, and Three-Star practices, AND commits to ongoing quality improvement by using most of these best practices:

•Responds to unique cultural customs and needs of children and families

•Offers activities that encourage family participation and help children transition to kindergarten

•It gives families opportunities to provide feedback about the program

•Shares child development updates with families to set goals together

•Makes accommodations for children with special needs and their families

•Has highly qualified and trained leadership staff, teachers, and providers

•Creates a program-wide professional development plan

•Encourages healthy living through nutrition and physical activity, constantly evaluating to set goals for growth

Teaching along with Schmitz are Nancy Hoffmann, Amber Braaten, Jessica Wilmes, and Michelle Dunn. 

Currently has openings

The Little Lakers Preschool currently has openings in the half-day, three-days-a-week class and the half-day, four-days-a-week class. Registration is available online through the Minnewaska Area Schools website under Little Lakers Preschool. The preschool is inclusive and welcoming to children with various abilities. Classes are held from September to May each school year. Additionally, income-based scholarships are available to help defray the cost.