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District speakers outline Early Childhood Center programs to boost family engagement and early literacy
Summary
District staff described ECC initiatives — 'All About Me' bags, a Reading at Home program (books home Mon–Thu for 10–15 minutes), monthly family projects, Pet Connection class and communication tools (Seesaw, ParentSquare) — and encouraged attendance at ECC graduation sessions.
Dr. Martha Kowalsak, the district school psychologist, presented the Early Childhood Center's family-engagement work and described concrete classroom-to-home activities that staff say support early language and social skills.
"At the beginning of the school year, we implement an All About Me bag activity... Students are invited to bring 3 to 5 items representing their culture, personal interests, and family values," Kowalsak said. She and ECC staff explained how the activity and related monthly family projects create structured opportunities for young children to practice social communication and to build connections with families.
Staff also outlined a Reading at Home program that sends books home Monday through Thursday for 10–15 minutes of shared reading. The district said the approach is focused on oral language and vocabulary as predictors of later reading success and that families complete a simple response card to document engagement.
Presenters reviewed other ECC practices including Pet Connection thematic units, the use of communication supports (core boards, AAC devices), and district communications via Seesaw and ParentSquare. The ECC will hold graduation sessions at Old Orchard (morning and afternoon) and invited board members and families to attend.
Superintendent and trustees thanked the ECC team and noted the program currently serves more than 129 students; officials said enrollment has grown about 15 students over the last two years and is expected to keep increasing.
