Shakopee board approves Pearson curriculum and plans to launch district-run school-age care in 2026

The Shakopee Public School District board on Nov. 17 approved two measures affecting early learners and families: adoption of The Creative Curriculum at Pearson Early Learning Center and a plan to operate school-age care in-house starting fall 2026.

Pearson leaders described a multi-stage implementation. Administrators recommended The Creative Curriculum because it aligns to the district’s TS Gold assessment system and supports integrated language, literacy and numeracy instruction. Sarah Molane, Pearson administrator, said the district would onboard initial teachers as early adopters, provide full training in May and offer an August rollout for all staff. The district intends to purchase curriculum materials and cloud access under a five‑year purchase model with professional development.

Board members asked whether supplemental, iPad-based assessment tools (e.g., Goldfinch) would be added; Pearson staff said they are cautious about adding that tool now because of technology and cost concerns and rely on observational TS Gold assessments.

Lisa Hahn, director of community education, presented a business plan to bring school-age care operations in‑house. The proposal would operate at district schools with flexible scheduling (before/after school, non‑school days and summer), staff the program with a program manager and site supervisors, use existing district spaces (cafeterias, media centers, gyms) and run at an approximate 1:15 staff-to-student ratio. Hahn said the school-age care program aims to be self‑sustaining, fee‑based and begin with a pilot site during the district’s connection/assessment period before full launch in September 2026.

Board members and administrators discussed start-up costs, funding timing and maintaining the YMCA partnership through the current contract year. The motions to adopt the Pearson curriculum and to approve the school-age care plan both carried.