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District presents proposal to shift preschool schedules, outlines funding and staffing details
Summary
District preschool leaders described the Growing Together Preschool and Exceptional Learners program, proposed moving some students to a four-day schedule that would change funding by $180 for 2025-26, and summarized staffing, site quality and partnerships that support program expansion.
District staff from the Growing Together Preschool and Exceptional Learners programs presented an overview of current preschool sites, enrollment patterns and a proposed scheduling change to the School City of Mishawaka board.
Presenters identified two preschool sites: Beater Elementary (three classrooms) with AM classes 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and PM classes 12:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.; and LaSalle Elementary (two classrooms) with AM classes 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and PM classes 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The program serves 3- to 5-year-old students with individualized education programs (IEPs) and partners with Community Foundations of Saint Joe and Ready to Grow Saint Joe for curriculum monitoring, vouchers and professional development.
Staff proposed adding a four-day attendance option (moving some students from current 2-, 3- or 5-day patterns to a 4-day option). Presenters said that change would alter funding by $180 for the 2025-26 school year and that the program charges a $40-per-semester materials fee. Funding sources cited in the presentation included district general funds, preschool grants, the exceptional learners grant and reimbursements tied to CCDF certification; presenters also noted the district had applied for a garden mini-grant through Ready to Grow Saint Joe to fund a planned school garden.
Presenters said the program is fully staffed, plans to continue mentoring and coaching for preschool teachers, and will use assessment data from kindergarten-entry screenings to tailor instruction. They described enrollment growth strategies including outreach, social media, and collaboration with neighboring preschools.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; presenters invited board members to visit the preschool sites and asked the board to consider questions as staff pursue enrollment expansion and potential schedule changes.
