Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Early Learning Mommy And Me topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents and district officials tout ‘Mommy and Me’ early‑learning program at El Rancho board meeting
Summary
District staff presented the revived Mommy and Me early‑learning program and parent speakers described high satisfaction, full enrollment on the Tuesday/Thursday session, and developmental benefits. Board members asked about expansion and outreach.
District staff presented the Mommy and Me early‑learning program and parents used the public comment period to describe its benefits to children and families.
At the March 11 meeting, district presenters (introduced in the agenda as Dr. Janet Alonso, Natalia Gonzalez, and instructor Blanca Sasueta) described the program’s structure: two sessions at Boerne Tech (Mon/Wed and Tue/Thu, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.), curriculum aligned to the California Infant and Toddler Learning and Development Foundations and Preschool/TK learning foundations, daily observational screening and referrals to services, and family engagement through shared activities and parent conferences. Staff said the Tuesday/Thursday session reached full enrollment of 12 children while the Monday/Wednesday session declined over the year; district outreach included mailers and social media promotion.
Parents who addressed the board in the blue‑card public comment period praised instructor Blanca Sasueta by name and described measurable improvements in children’s social skills, vocabulary and school readiness. One parent reported a full classroom (12 children and 12 caregivers) and urged the district to expand the model to other elementary sites. A district survey presented during the item showed overwhelmingly positive feedback: the presenters summarized results showing 100% overall satisfaction in one reporting metric and high marks for safety and staff‑child ratios.
Trustees asked about posting committee minutes, site visits by the bond oversight committee, and the possibility of additional locations (north side) and sponsored outreach (ads, sponsored slots) to reduce barriers such as scheduling. District staff said they will work with communications to promote the program, consider opening additional sections, explore grant opportunities and report back with options for expansion and possible funding sources.
The discussion concluded with trustees praising the program’s contribution to early childhood development and encouraging staff to pursue outreach and partnerships to increase enrollment and equity of access.
