Early Education Center showcases programs and student‑created promotion projects

The Kearney R‑I Early Education Center (EEC) presented an overview of its services and a student‑produced promotional video at the board meeting, highlighting free early education programs and recent collaboration with Kearney High School.

Amy Ba, principal at the Early Education Center, told the board the district has focused on connecting programs within the EEC, across district schools and with the broader community. Mary Watkins, a five‑day pre‑K teacher at the EEC, described a classroom‑to‑classroom partnership developed with a high school English class: 35 high school students completed a “client connected” project in which the EEC was the client and students created promotional materials. Watkins said 18 presentations were produced, including flyers, videos, social‑media mock‑ups and brochure designs; several groups proposed creative outreach ideas such as a mural downtown.

Two high school students presented the short promotional video concept that the class selected. Presenters said the video emphasized documented benefits of early education — improved test performance, lower retention rates, gains in social skills and school readiness — and outlined four programs housed at the EEC: a staff childcare/preschool that serves birth through 5 years, a Parents as Teachers program available to district residents, a five‑day pre‑K classroom for 4‑ and 5‑year‑olds, and early childhood special education (services for eligible 3–5 year olds). Presenters emphasized that all EEC services are free to families, with the exception of a reduced‑rate childcare option for district staff.

Watkins and EEC staff said the partnership with the high school yielded strong student ideas and practical promotional items that the EEC can use to explain its building and services to community members who may not be familiar with the center. Staff said they plan a spring showcase and continued collaboration in future semesters.