By Mari Radtke
Discussions about changing to a half day preschool program in the coming year has been an on-going conversation with Mr. Morran, Elementary Principal, Mr. Riley, Superintendent, Mr. Hofmeyer, Transportation Director and with parents of current preschool students. According to Morran there is a lot of positive feedback in going to the half day format. Mr. Morran, in his presentation to the board said transportation has been a big issue for the half-day program. The 4 half-day format also makes a 3-year-old program an option if the transportation can be worked out. Classes would be held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Morran reported that he collected as much information as he could. He reported to the board a synopsis of his conversations with daycare directors from Kids Kampus, Noah’s Ark and Saving Grace and a private daycare in Paullina run by Jody Johannsen. Morran told the board that all are in favor of the half-day program for 3 and 4-year-olds.
Eligible 3-year-old students will be 3 by September 1, 2022 and 4 years of age by September 15, 2022 for the 2022/23 school year. Three-year-old students can attend in the mornings only.
Transportation rose as the biggest issue for implementation. He described the collaboration between himself, Mr. Riley, Superintendent, Mr. Hofmeyer, Transportation Director and with the parents of current preschool students. The discussion coalesced around the most efficient transportation possible for the preschool students. Daycare centers will be pick up points in Paullina, Primghar and Sutherland. Arrangements can be made at other in-district pick up locations
Part of that discussion is to geographically divide the district for scheduling purposes of both transportation and time of attendance.
The half-day proposed scheduling is 8:30 – 11:20am and 12:15 – 3:30pm. He said that morning students could join the breakfast program but no lunches would be available to the students.
Morran noted that the enrollment this year is down some emphasizing availability for students. They have room for up to 40 4-year-old kids but only have 30 this year. There is only room for 15 3-year-olds. That class size is limited by bathroom availability.
He reported that 3-year-old preschool would require it be tuition based, $150 per month. The transportation fee for 3-year-olds is $20 per month. Morran spoke of the possibility of DHS scholarships or other funding sources.