Plymouth Canton School District celebrates achievements in early childhood education programs

In a vibrant gathering at the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (P-CCS) Board of Education meeting on May 13, 2025, the spotlight shone brightly on the district's early childhood program. Caitlin Opperman, the early childhood coordinator, and Kitty Yelmroot, the special education supervisor, shared an inspiring overview of the initiatives designed to nurture the youngest learners in the community.

The evening began with a warm welcome, as Opperman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to highlight the program's achievements. Central to their mission is the dynamic plan aimed at enhancing student achievement, ensuring emotional and physical safety, and fostering family engagement. The early childhood program focuses on three key areas: executive function and self-regulation, language and communication development, and early problem-solving skills. These elements are crucial for addressing the diverse needs of students.

One of the most notable successes shared was the full enrollment of the Plymouth Canton Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), which provides free preschool education. This year, the program has partnered with Wayne Risa to introduce an early childhood specialist who supports teachers and students in the classroom. Additionally, the initiative has seen a remarkable 55% increase in participation in the school lunch program, thanks to the introduction of family-style dining.

The meeting also highlighted the program's commitment to inclusion, with over 20% of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) transitioning from special education classrooms to GSRP. This integration has proven beneficial, as general education teachers adapt their teaching methods to meet the varied needs of all learners.

Opperman and Yelmroot emphasized the importance of partnerships, including collaborations with high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which allow students to gain hands-on experience in early childhood education. The program currently serves 428 students across eight locations, offering both tuition-based and free preschool options.

As the meeting progressed, board members engaged in discussions about the challenges of expanding the GSRP, particularly regarding space limitations. The team expressed optimism about future growth, with plans to convert some tuition classes into GSRP classrooms to accommodate more students.

The evening concluded with a sense of pride in the accomplishments of the early childhood program and a shared commitment to ensuring that every child in the community has access to quality education. As the district looks ahead, the focus remains on creating seamless transitions to kindergarten and fostering an inclusive environment for all students. The passion and dedication of the early childhood team were palpable, leaving attendees inspired about the future of education in Plymouth-Canton.