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Board approves preschool STEAM partnerships with Holden Arboretum and Studio Institute
Summary
The board approved preschool STEAM partnerships to bring Holden Arboretum Garden & Forest and Studio Institute art/woodworking programs to early-childhood classrooms; administrators said both include parent components and special accommodations for 3‑year-olds.
The Bedford Board of Education voted to approve preschool STEAM programming partnerships at its March 6 work session.
The superintendent presented two vendor partnerships under agenda item 6.05: Holden Arboretum’s Garden & Forest classroom program and Studio Institute’s early-childhood art workshops. Erin Nicole Black, who directs early-childhood programming, described the offerings: Holden Arboretum brings hands-on nature lessons and music into classrooms, while Studio Institute will provide sequential art projects (collage, then woodworking) and a parent component. Black said Studio Institute will work with 3-year-olds and special populations, noting, “They don't shy away from that.”
Why it matters: Both programs expand early exposure to STEAM content for preschool students and include parent-engagement elements administrators said could support transitions and family involvement.
Program details and implementation: Black said Holden Arboretum offered an introductory scholarship last year and is returning at a discounted rate; Studio Institute’s model uses five-week sessions and can be extended to 10 weeks for some classes. Administrators said both vendors will help prepare students for broader district STEAM and arts activities, and Studio Institute has experience with Head Start and three-year-old classrooms. The staff recommended accepting the partnerships as a single package; the board approved that recommendation by roll call (5–0).
Board questions and follow-up: Board members asked about parent nights and whether demonstrations or student exhibitions were possible; Black said Studio Institute can support an art-show graduation and parent night. The administration will provide implementation timelines and notify the board of event dates.
