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Rockwood early childhood update: seven sites, roughly 950–1,050 preschoolers and dedicated special-education services
Summary
David Herog briefed trustees on the Rockwood Early Childhood program: seven sites, a mix of half-day and full-day classrooms, cap sizes (14 half-day, 18 full-day), nearly 240 staff, and state-funded special-education reimbursement if caseload requirements are met.
David Herog presented a district overview of Rockwood Early Childhood, reporting program structure, enrollment ranges, staffing and special-education services.
Herog told the board the program operates at seven locations (three main early childhood centers plus preschool classrooms at high schools), serving roughly 950 to 1,050 young learners annually and supported by about 240 staff. He described program options—half-day and full-day preschool, mini-preschool for 30–36 month olds, early childhood special education, and parents-as-teachers offerings—and said half-day classrooms cap at 14 students while full-day rooms serve up to 18.
On special education, Herog said Rockwood provides in-district early childhood special-education services and receives state grant reimbursement administered through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). “That comes from the state of Missouri,” he said, adding that the district must meet specified caseload requirements to receive full reimbursement. He said there are no current discussions that would jeopardize the funding and that the district is monitoring DESE activity.
Herog highlighted program improvements including a consolidated diagnostic team for eligibility screening and ongoing professional learning for special-education teachers. He encouraged trustees and community members to attend community events (including a Celebration of Nations scheduled at Clarkson Valley) and noted that the program also serves as a lab and training space for high school child-development students.
Questions from trustees covered class sizes and grant stability; Herog confirmed half-day class sizes are limited to 14 and full-day to 18, and reiterated that the special-education funding stream is state-based and not currently in jeopardy.
Next steps: No policy action was requested; the update was for information and discussion only.
