Fillmore County Journal - Week of the Young Child - 4.24.17

Week of the Young Child A special section to show support for this national celebration of young children.

Articles in tHiS

section

yOu cAn ReAd AbOut

St. Johns Preschool and Kindergarten Open House to be held April 24

Rushford-Peterson offers many early childhood opportunities

Lanesboro Public schools whole child approach to education

Kingsland early childhood

Fillmore central’s community education offers a variety of programs for age birth to five years

Chatfield Community Preschool – play to learn!

Mabel–Canton Early Childhood programs

Semcac Head Start works with families to build bright futures www.fillmorecountyjournal.com Take advantage of these target-audience sections to reach your best prospects. Please contact your Area Salesperson for deadlines, sizings, and other information. Questions? Email ads@fillmorecountyjournal.com or call 507.765.2151

This section is available online

FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

Page 2

Monday, April 24, 2017

Call the FCJ at 507-765-2151 to advertise or offer news tips!

St. Johns Preschool and Kindergarten Open House to be held April 24

St. Johns students Sawyer Heusinkveld, Westin Voigt, Lincoln Soltau, Elsa Eickhoff, Kesley Hunemuller.

Photo submitted them the rest of their lives. In today’s world, a quality education is very important in helping our children succeed in the future. St. Johns is blessed with a talented and dedicated staff that is able to work with each child at the level they are at. Along with loving and car-

St. Johns Lutheran School in Wykoff will be hosting their Preschool and Kindergarten Open House Monday, April 24, from 6-7:30 p.m. St. Johns provides students with a strong foundation in academic skills, social abilities, and moral values that they will take with

ing teachers, St. Johns has tremendous parent involvement which helps provide a wonderful learning experience for each child. Not only is it important that we provide our children with a strong academic education, it is even more important that we are able to help our children grow in their faith.

Through the work of the Holy Spirit we are able to provide for them a foundation in Christ that they will take with them the rest of their lives.

St. Johns preschool and kindergarten programs are designed to help students grow socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually in an atmosphere where your child will feel acceptance and love. Some of St. Johns early childhood goals and objectives include providing an environment that fosters growth in gross and fine motor development at developmentally ageappropriate levels for each child,

as well as providing an environment that fosters growth in language, math, science, and sensory skills. They will also provide an opportunity for each child to develop a positive selfimage, and positive growth in relationship with peers, adults, and other children. Students will be instructed in developing vocabulary, speaking in sentences, using verbal expressions, following simple directions, as well as expressing ideas, feelings, and experiences through stories and art.

St. Johns Lutheran School is open to all children beginning at age three. Registration forms for preschool, as well as kindergarten or any other grade, are available upon request. Registration is now open, and will continue until classes fill. All forms must be completed and submitted to the school office with the first month’s tuition payment of $90.00 in order to guarantee enrollment in preschool. Pre-

Rushford-Peterson offers many early childhood opportunities Rushford-Peterson Community Education offers many opportunities for early childhood aged children and their families.

Our Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes are open to birth to 5-year-olds.

Parents and children attend the themed classes together. Classes meet on Monday evenings from

6-7:15 p.m. and Friday mornings from 10-11:15 a.m. Along with offering classes, ECFE also sponsors events the whole family can attend together, as well as events that highlight and celebrate special family relationships! This school year, families have already enjoyed Math Wizards, Little Elves’ Workshop

(held in Peterson), ECFE Open Gym, and Reading Wizards.

Upcoming Special Events for this spring include the annual Daddy/Daughter Dance on April 30 from 12-2 p.m.

R-P Community Education proudly offers the 4 Star Parent Aware Lille By Preschool program to our community.

Three-, four-, and five-year-old children attend classes independently from their parents. Lille By (pronounced “Lilla Bee”) is a Norwegian name that means “Little Town.” Our preschool is an inclusive program. Lille By Preschool is currently accepting preschool registrations for the 2017-18 school year! Please

school days are on Tuesday and Thursday from 8-11 a.m. Kindergarten through eighth grade meets Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. If you would like more information, or would like to pick up registration materials, please feel free to contact the school office at (507) 352-4671, or you may also visit the school website at www.stjohns-wykoff.org.

The Christ-centered education that children receive at St. Johns allows children to recognize and develop those talents and abilities that God has blessed them with. Children who graduate from St. Johns have a strong foundation in their faith and academics that will guide them the rest of their lives. If you would like to meet the teachers and visit the classrooms please make sure to attend the open house on April 24, or call and make an appointment to see what is so special at St. Johns. contact the Community Education office for more information. ECFE Special Event information and Lille By Preschool information is included in the ECFE/School Readiness newsletters mailed approximately once a month during the school year to our mailing list. Events are also advertised on our website at www.r-pschools.com under the “Community Ed” tab on the top of the homepage.

Preschool & Kindergarten Round-up Monday, April 24 6:00 – 7:30 PM

www.stjohns-wykoff.org 245 South Line Street, Wykoff, MN 55990 (507) 352-4671, Email stjhnsch@hmtel.com St. Johns Lutheran School’s mission is to help parents meet the spiritual, academic, and physical needs of their children by providing a Christ-centered learning environment which emphasizes personal Christian growth, academic excellence, and service to God and the community.

St. Johns Lutheran School is supported by St. John Lutheran Church, 241 Line St. S., Wykoff, MN 55990

Planning an auction?

It Done Right!”® prompt Fair “Get n io s is m m s

Co

rates

Gehling Auction Co., Inc.

ettlemen

Complete AuCtIon servICe

All inquiries held in strict confidence with no obligation We specialize in farm machinery & furnish clean-up crews

507-765-2131

email: gehling@gehlingauction.com

www.gehlingauction.com

For all your Real Estate needs call

507-765-2131

www.mattgehling.com

t

Share your thoughts at www.fillmorecountyjournal.com

Monday, April 24, 2017

FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

Lanesboro Public schools whole child approach to education

Lanesboro Child Care Center.

This past fall, Lanesboro Schools added space for an additional 25 children and will be remodeling and expanding again this summer. Voted “Best in Daycare” in the Fillmore County Journal Reader’s Choice Awards, the staff is dedicated to providing the highest quality learning experience for your children.

Early Childhood Family Education at Lanesboro Public

Schools offers two morning sessions on Tuesdays throughout the year. Session one runs from 8:30-10 a.m., followed by session two from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. All parents and their children from infants to kindergarten are welcome to attend. Sessions include Parent-Child Activity Time, Parent Discussion Time, and Children’s Activity Time to help families explore developmentally appropriate play, parent education and support, and to allow for children to practice social skills in a fun learning environment.

The Preschool Program at Lanesboro Public Schools, led by Lena Bergo, offers both 3/4 and 4/5 classes. The 3/4 class is two days per week, while the 4/5 class meets three days per week. Small class sizes offer students more personalized instruction and the ability to offer out-of-classroom

of their children. Family classes are held on Tuesday nights from 4:155:45 p.m. and Thursday nights from 6-7:30 p.m. at our elementary school in Spring Valley. Class tuition is based on a sliding fee scale and no family is ever turned away for in ability to pay. Other ECFE offerings include Tuesday Open Gym 3:15-4:15 p.m. and Wednesday Courtyard Exploration 10:45-11:45 a.m. There is no registration need for Open Gym and Courtyard Exploration, just

stop on in! For more information on ECFE visit our website http:// kingsland.k12.mn.us/page/3634.

Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple check of how your child is growing and developing. Beginning at the age of three, screening can detect possible health or learning concerns, so that children can get help before they start school. Screening is free and all students age three and above must be screened once before entering kindergarten.

The children at Lanesboro Child Care Center enjoy a variety of fun events while learning!

Photo by Matt Schultz Lanesboro Public Schools completed their strategic planning in November of 2016. From those community meetings the district developed five-year goals, one of which is to “Deepen focus on the whole child beginning with wellaligned early childhood programming.” With this goal in mind Lanesboro Schools will embark on a journey to enhance our learning opportunities for our youngest learners from birth to

age six. Communication and collaboration between and within our staff ranging from Lanesboro Child Care Center to preschool to kindergarten will be enhanced in order to meet the needs of all of our students.

Knowing that child care spots throughout Fillmore County are becoming more and more scarce, Lanesboro Public Schools has renewed its dedication to the community by expanding the

Kingsland Early Childhood Kingsland Early Childhood programs are dedicated to help get your child’s educational career off to an amazing start! Our Early Childhood staff takes pride in partnering with parents for student success. At Kingsland we have many programs to offer families from the birth of their child!

Kingsland Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is for

families birth to five years old.

ECFE is based on the idea that the family provides a child’s first and most important learning environment, and parents are a child’s first and most significant teachers. ECFE works to strengthen families and enhance the ability of all parents to provide the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development

Page 3

experiences such as visiting Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center or a local apple orchard.

With all of our programming housed in the same building, transitions from daycare and ECFE to preschool are smooth for all involved. Transportation, often difficult for families especially midday, is provided for our preschool families. The personal attention Lanesboro offers families is an important component to our education experience.

Along with our focus during the school days, Lanesboro’s Summer Community Recreation offerings revolve around children. There are multiple offerings daily that can enrich your child’s summer experience and make every summer memorable here in Lanesboro. The Summer Brochure will be in mailboxes the second week of May. Please contact Lanesboro Public Schools at (507) 467-2229 with questions about any of the programs offered.

Kingsland School District, in conjunction with Southern Minnesota Education Consortium, offers periodic screenings throughout the year. The following dates are planned for screening during the 2017-2018 school year: October 12 and February 12.

Kingsland Preschool is a 4-Star Parent Aware program. Kingsland has received this rate by: volunteered for extra, in-depth training; See KINGSLAND Page 7 

Fillmore County Licensed Daycare Directory Becky Merkel, Family Child Care.......................... 507-346-2270 15115 202nd St., Spring Valley, MN

Brianna’s Daycare...............................................507-316-4514 724 Winona St. SE., Spring Valley, MN

Crystal Hindt Dols ..............................................507-346-9869

We support early childhood learning!

100 Saint Anthony St N Preston, MN 55965 507-765-3823

229 Main Street N Chatfield, MN 55923 507-867-1605

2768 Superior Dr NW Rochester, MN 55901 507-258-7580

www.fmcommunity.com

601 Warren Ave., Spring Valley, MN

Lori Batzel Family Child Care ...............................507-951-1644 722 Twiford St., Chatfield, MN

Sandy’s Daycare .................................................507-346-2839 11177 Quilt Rd., Spring Valley, MN

Tanny’s Tots Childcare ........................................507-886-2951 378 7th Ave. SE, Harmony, MN

Tina Kerns, Family Child Care ..............................563-419-0381 101 First St., Canton, MN

We support our Fillmore County youth The ability to start school prepared for success depends on the quality of care in the early years.

100 Cedar Street, Fountain, MN • 507-268-4343 We have everything to build anything

Chatfield Early Childhood Four Star Rating

In PRESCHOOL children develop the skills needed to enter kindergarten.

They learn their numbers, letters, & shapes. They expand their vocabulary.

They learn about their community. They practice self-care skills, problem-solving, and following directions. What a BIG JOB! In CHATFIELD PRESCHOOL children accomplish their goals by doing what they do best – PLAYING AND HAVING FUN! Through experiential learning and strong teacher- child relationships, preschoolers grow and blossom.

The Preston Area Community Foundation

Preschool Opportunities:

4 & 5 Year Olds (4 by Sept. 1, 2017) • •

3-Day Classes (Mon./Wed./Fri.) -- Mornings and Full Days 2-Full Day Classes (Tue/Thu)

3 & 4 Year Olds (3 by Sept. 1, 2017)

•

2-Full Day Classes (Mon./Wed. or Tue/Thu) • 2-Morning Classes (Mon./Wed.)

*Early Learning Scholarships are available based on financial need.

ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) classes provide opportunities for parent and child to explore and play together. Each class includes projects, activities, & circle time. There will also be 30-45 minutes of separation time, giving parents an opportunity to connect and learn together.

Sessions are held in the Fall, Winter, & Spring.

ECFE Builing Blocks Classes: Thursdays, 6-7:30pm Fridays, 8:15-9:45am and 10-11:30am

For more information about Preschool or ECFE, contact LuAnn Klevan

lklevan@chatfield.k12.mn.us or 867-4210 x. 5022

Provides Grants To The

Fillmore Central Schools Early Childhood Programs As We Strive To Build A Stronger Community

An Official Legal Newspaper for Fillmore County

Monday, April 24, 2017

Fillmore Central’s Community Education offers a variety of programs for age birth to five years

Fillmore Central Pre-K classes are offered at a variety of times and days.

Photo submitted Fillmore Central’s Community Education offers a variety of programs for families with children age birth to five years of age. Providing children with successful starts through healthy, nurturing, learning environments is our mission.

School Readiness Fillmore Central’s School Readiness program has a 4-Star Parent Aware Rating. This is the highest possible rating. Parent Aware Star ratings help parents find programs that go above and beyond to prepare children for school and life. The oneto four-star rating system measures best practices identified by research that help children

succeed.

Fillmore Central offers a preschool experience to students that are 3-5 years of age.

The 3/4-year-olds have three options: Monday/Wednesday sessions from 8:15-10:15 or 10:15-12:15 or Tuesday/Thursday sessions from 8:15-10:15.

We offer three classes for the 4/5-year-olds on Monday, Wednesdays, and Friday; two sessions in the morning from 8:15-11:15 and an afternoon session from 12:10-3:10. We also offer a PreK Plus program on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those students who need that extra boost before entering kindergarten. Transportation is

offered for all of our preschool classes. We will be offering a Monday-Friday morning class for the 4/5-year-old class in the 2017-18 school year.

Our primary goal is to welcome students to the school setting and help them feel comfortable in a classroom when they enter kindergarten. Playtime is an essential part of our program, which provides opportunities for students to grow in conversation skills, imagination, social skills, as well as fine and gross motor skills.

We have structured activities that focus on a standard from our curriculum, Splash Into Pre-K by Houghton Mifflin.

Activities are usually hands-on and cover a wide range of abilities including cutting, writing, coloring, role-playing, retelling stories, and learning colors, shapes and letters.

Pre-literacy skills are also an important part of our 4/5 school readiness program. Much of the year revolves around early literacy and helping students move on to the next step. Throughout the school year, we focus on number and letter identification and beginning letter sounds, writing our letters.

Letter knowledge is not the only piece to the early literacy puzzle; rhyming is a big part of

FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

being able to increase awareness in different sounds in language too.

Special education students are fully integrated into our classrooms allowing friendships to form and differences to be accepted.

To continue to challenge our students’ little minds, Fillmore Central School Readiness added the Action 100 Reading Program to our preschool students.

While many of our students are at the “Read to Me” stage, we also have several that are ready to read to us and we need to be able to challenge these students and encourage their love of reading. Kids will most likely choose books over video games, TV and other forms of entertainment as they grow older if they are exposed to reading.

ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) ECFE, geared toward birth to age five, exists to strengthen families through the education and support of all parents in providing the best possible environments for the healthy growth and development of their children.

We conduct sessions that include parent and child time, parent time, child time, educational material, and special family events.

• Parent and Child Time. During this time children play and get to know new friends. You and your child will take home projects you make together.

Page 5

• Parent Time. During this time, parents share parenting skills and ideas with other parents. Gather new and up-todate information on topics that relate to your child’s development. Meet other parents from the area, and form a support network.

• Child Time. Each week we have a healthy snack, and a circle time with songs, stories, and activities that coincide with the preschool program at Fillmore Central.

• Educational Materials. We have a lending library loaded with books for parents and hands-on activities for children.

We also have lots of music, books, toys, and more!

• Special Family Events. ECFE offers play dates, open gym, and special activities geared toward families with young children.

ECFE On-The-Go brings educational materials into a daycare setting to spend time with the kids. We are gearing up for summer sessions now!

One Block At A Time Daycare The mission of One Block At A Time Daycare is to provide children with successful starts through healthy, nurturing learning environments.

Currently, 2-Star Parent Aware Rated, the staff and program are working hard to receive the 4-Star rating.

Care is provided for children six weeks to five years of See FC COMMUNITY ED Page 6 

Fillmore Central Community Education One Block at a Time One Block At A Time SAC

Daycare Learning Center

School Age Care

2 Star Parent Aware

School Readiness -Preschool4 Star Parent Aware

ECFE

Early Childhood Family Education

Adult Enrichment Classes & Events

ECSE

Early Childhood Special Education

YES

Youth Enrichment Studies

Summer Recreation

One Block At A Time Daycare Learning Center

2 Star Parent Aware Rated.

One Block at a Time Daycare is a well-designed, licensed child care environment to inspire curiosity and enhanced learning. We provide a warm, intimate, secure place for children to learn and explore at their own pace.

5 leveled daycare rooms are provided for children 6 weeks of age until entering kindergarten.

Staff receive ongoing professional development training on child-care and child-development milestones.

One Block At A Time

Mission: to provide children with successful starts through healthy, nurturing, learning environments.

SAC- School Age Care

Before and after school care for children K-6th grade.

Professional & fun care during the summer and non-school hours.

School Readiness

4 Star Parent Aware Rating.

Classes offered to children age 3 until entering kindergarten.

Staff use research based curriculum to teach your child important skills they will need for kindergarten.

Action 100 reading program.

Pathway II Scholarships available.

ECSE-Early Childhood Special Education

For children ages 3-7 with special needs. This program will help strengthen educational expectations and accountability for children with disabilities and bridge the gap between what children with disabilities learn and what is required in regular curriculum.

ECFE-Early Childhood Family Education

To strengthen families through the education and support of all parents in providing the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development of their children.

YES-Youth Enrichment Studies

YES supports development of social, mental, physical, and creative abilities of school-age youth.

We provide structured, fun youth programs that are designed to promote youth leadership development and help improve academic performance.

Summer Recreation

Our Summer Rec. program offers on-site activities, games, and sporting events, plus special field trips.

This is a combined program for both the Harmony & Preston area.

Adult Classes & Events

Quality classes for an adult audience. Our instructors are professional and friendly.

Fillmore Central Schools, Preston, MN • 507-765-3809 For more information, contact Angi Kaase, Community Education Director. angi.kaase@isd2198.k12.mn.us

Page 6

FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

FC COMMUNITY ED Continued from Page 5

age. The hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

One Block At A Time Daycare offers five different rooms; an infant room, a transition room, a toddler room, 3/4 preschool room and a 4/5 preschool room to allow the care and developmentally right activities for each age group. One Block at a Time uses the 1-2-3 Learn Curriculum and CATCH Curriculum. This well-designed childcare environment allows kids of all ages to inspire curiosity and enhance their learning.

We do accept drop-ins with 24 hours’ notice pending we have room availability.

All of our staff are state licensed certified and CPR/First Aid certified.

SAC (School Age Childcare) SAC is designed to offer a safe and supervised environment for school aged children. SAC offers a variety of activities to channel children’s energies into positive growing experiences and will focus on the following goals for your child: • To develop new friendships and work together in cooperative group situations.

• To gain respect for themselves, others and property.

• To develop self-confidence.

• To offer a safe, caring, trusting, and relaxed environment conducive to fun and adventure.

• To provide trained, caring and respectful staff who

Monday, April 24, 2017

understands the importance of a stable setting that meets the developmental needs of children.

Community Education seeks to improve the quality of life by providing lifelong learning opportunities for all members of the community.

We believe that Community Education fosters the learning process in a variety of places and under a variety of conditions. It provides planned learning experiences and activities intended to meet the needs of individuals, families, and the community. By participating in Community Education programs, community members can develop new skills, pursue intellectual and physical interests, and develop a positive selfimage.

Fillmore Central Community Education also offers enrichment classes for both youth and adults and heads up the Summer Rec and Horizons programs. Through these programs our goal is to improve the quality of life by providing lifelong learning opportunities for all members of the community.

Lifelong learning is based on the belief that people are learners at every age and are entitled to pursue educational opportunities that are meaningful to them.

For more information on any of our programs, please contact Angi Kaase, Community Education Director, at (507) 7653809 or email at angi.kaase@ isd2198.k12.mn.us.

An Official Legal Newspaper for Fillmore County

Chatfield Community Preschool – play to learn!

Chatfield preschool kids enjoy a day ice fishing!

The preschool experience has changed rather dramatically in the past ten years. What used to be considered an opportunity for socialization is now seen as a necessary step in the preparation for kindergarten. Preschool programs are now expected to provide opportunities for children to practice and develop skills in literacy, mathematics, and social studies. Children are learning shapes, numbers, letters, counting, and rhyming. They are constantly expanding their vocabulary. They are learning about their community and the world around them.

At the same time, children are practicing self-regulation – taking turns, problem solving, and functioning as part of a community.

Let’s not forget that they also are getting hands on experience in self-care, such as getting ready to

Photo submitted

go outside, getting their folders in their backpacks, cleaning up, learning the arrival routine, and more.

Preschoolers have a BIG job.

They accomplish the goals by doing what they do best – PLAYING AND HAVING FUN! Teachers use intentional play to teach all the necessary concepts and tasks. Yes, there are art projects and writing centers. But there is also dramatic play, blocks and trucks, games and puzzles, small world items such as doll houses and fire stations, gym time, and many other creative play opportunities. Music, stories, and activities at circle time introduce children to concepts and themes. It’s also a great time to learn to listen and follow instructions.

The preschool experience at Chatfield Community Preschool

is successful because the foundation of the curriculum is the relationship between the teaching staff and the children. Teachers are listening, sharing, conversing, and laughing with children on a regular basis. It is truly a joy to watch the positive interactions that occur on a daily basis.

Chatfield Community Preschool strives to create an experience that is available to all children. Classes are offered for two age levels: 3and 4-year-olds (age 3 by Sept. 1, 2017) and 4- and 5-year-olds (age 4 by Sept. 1, 2017). Full day and morning only classes are available for both age groups. Children who are enrolled in the older class may ride the school bus, with a bus buddy, to and from school.

School-age care is available for both age groups in the mornings (6-8 a.m.) and in the afternoons (2:45-6 p.m.)

Early Learning Scholarships are available to families with financial need. Eligible families receive a significant scholarship to cover the cost of tuition. When registering, indicate that you would like a scholarship application. Applications will be mailed in June.

Information and registration forms are available on the Community Education page of the school website (www.chatfield.k12.mn.us).

Online registration is also available by going to the Online Store found on the homepage. If you have any questions, contact Director LuAnn Klevan at 867-4210 x. 5022 or lklevan@chatfield.k12.mn.us.

“Stab” encourages parents to get outdoors and spend quality time with their children.

Ronald Schreier

Timothy McLaughlin

Phone: 507-765-4444

Phone: 507-765-4432

ron@majortax.com

507-346-1979

501 N. Park Dr., Spring Valley, MN

Your annual insurance check up. Family changes, finished basements, new cars . . . call us to make sure you have the right coverage for your family.

Essig Agency, Inc.

Spring Valley • 507-346-7244 www.essigagency.com

tim@majortax.com

409 Spring Ave. Box 316, Preston, MN 55965

Kruegel Gas Service ProPane

ExcEptional EnErgy®

ProPane Service inStallation Delivery

507-346-7362 1-800-464-6121

Serving Southern MN Since 1954

We are pleased to support the young children of Kingsland

The FCJ reaches over 13,000 households each week.

Monday, April 24, 2017

FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

Mabel–Canton Early Childhood Semcac Head Start works with programs families to build bright futures

Mabel-Canton Pre-K kids learn about community helpers.

Photo submitted ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) Our ECFE program offers several Family Fun Night events during the month where parents and children come and interact together. Some of our most popular events have been Pajama Night at the Library, Pizza and Gym Night, Field Trip to the Fire Station, Scarecrow Night, Dad and Me Building Night, and also our Christmas Party and Egg Hunt.

We also offer a Friday morning playgroup twice a month where parents and daycare providers are welcomed to come into the early childhood classroom with their children and interact, make a craft and enjoy circle, story and snack.

Schedule of Upcoming ECFE events: • Monday, April 24: Dad & Me Building Night – 6 p.m.

Kids, with the help from their dads or grandpas (or another good adult friend), will be building a project to take home. Woodworking kits will be available for each child.

Dads should bring a hammer and needle-nosed pliers. Fee is $5/child, which includes the cost of supplies. Meet in the school lunchroom.

• Friday playgroup dates, 9:30-11a.m.: April 21 and May 5 On select Friday mornings, parents and daycare providers are invited to come to the early childhood classroom between 9:30 and 11 a.m. for a playgroup. Children and parents

can play with the toys and other learning materials available and also make a craft. A light snack will be served and a story will be read at the end of the playtime. The fee for playgroup is $3 child. If you are a daycare provider, ask for a group rate!

Pre –K and Preschool Classes We are proud to be a Minnesota Parent Aware Program.

We currently offer a Kindergarten Readiness (4/5-year-olds) where the students meet either two or three times a week.

Our Kindergarten Readiness Programs uses the SRA Imagine It reading series and we also visit the school library once a week.

We also offer a preschool class twice a week in the morning for 3/4-year-olds. Registration for the 2017-2018 school year will be offered first to the currently enrolled students and then new students and their families are encouraged to attend an open house/registration night, which will be held on Monday, May 8 between 5-6:30 p.m. in the early childhood classroom.

There is a non-refundable registration fee due at the time of registration.

For more information about these programs please check out our school website at www.mabelcanton.k12.mn.us, contact the school office at (507) 493-5423 or the Early Childhood Coordinator Amy Hoscheit at (507) 493-5423 ext 127 or email ahoscheit@ mabelcanton.org.

Page 7

For 50 years, Semcac Head Start has partnered with parents to support their role as the primary decision makers for their children. Head Start recognizes parents are their child’s first and most important teachers. Working together, children and their parents develop skills that prepare them to enter kindergarten with confidence and enjoy learning for a lifetime. This “two generation” approach sets Head Start apart from other providers.

Why is Head Start unique?

• Medical, dental, nutrition and other services are offered for the well-being of the child. We promote healthy living for the whole family.

• Our staff is trained to provide education that best supports each child’s individual growth and development, including special needs and English language learners.

• We offer support for healthy parent-child relationships and build parent skills to strengthen their family.

• We help parents connect to

needed community services to reach their goals and take care of themselves and their families.

• Family members are welcomed as volunteers. Parents learn to advocate for their children and families. Parent leaders are involved in key decisions to guide our program.

Semcac Head Start is rated a 4-Star High Quality Program

by Parent Aware. We provide birth-to-age five learning at no cost to qualifying families. Our Preston Center offers services with an eight-hour day, MondayThursday in a preschool setting.

Our child-centered curriculum, The Creative Curriculum, incorporates the latest research and best practices taking the needs of every type of learner into account. Activities take place in a licensed classroom, located in the Fillmore Central school district.

We also offer a home-based option to reach families expecting a baby and/or with children birth-three years. A trained educator does weekly home visits to

work with children and parents.

The educator also offers a centersocialization every two weeks.

This provides parents and children a time for connecting with others along with more parent education. An example of one of our family successes is a parent who completed coursework in English went on to become an interpreter for other families.

Our staff will work with each family that applies to determine eligibility and to keep the process simple. Staff will let you know what family documents you will need to apply. We will verify your child’s age, and your family’s income status. MFIP, foster or homeless children automatically qualify. Our focus is to serve families with limited income based on federal guidelines. We help families connect with the public school for transportation.

For more information, visit the Semcac office in Preston at 702 Chatfield Street. Or call (507) 765-9953 to schedule an appointment. Or, check out our website at www.semcac.org. All interested families are encouraged to apply.

Head Start Works! Let’s work together to nurture your child’s love of learning and well-being.

KINGSLAND

their student two, three, or five days a week in our full day or half day afternoon program. Children that will be entering kindergarten in the 2019-2020 school year are offered a 3/4 class two, three, or five days a week half day program in the morning. Our preschool staff is always friendly and willing to help! The 4/5 full day room is staffed with Mrs. Anne Jo Voorhees (one year with Kingsland) and Ronda Andersen (and years with Kingsland). Half day programs are staffed by Miss Klarissa Schoppers (two years with Kingsland) and Debby Westphal (10 years with Kingsland). For more information about Kingsland Preschool please visit our website http://www.kingsland.k12.mn.us/page/2455.

For your convenience, Kingsland has on-site childcare to make the transition to and from school easier for your children. School Age Childcare (SACC) is on-site for children beginning at age three to those that are potty trained.

The preschool program and SACC work together on transitioning our earliest learners from daycare to preschool. Parents can drop off

their child in the morning and feel at ease knowing their child will get to preschool without hesitation.

Learning for our 3- to 5-year-olds doesn’t only happen in the preschool room, but also while they are in SACC as Kingsland’s preschool and SACC programs offer the same curriculum so the learning never ends. Our SACC program is set up as a drop-in childcare program where you only pay for the time you are here. SACC charges $2.75 per hour and with only a one hour minimum requirement on the day a child attends. SACC is open year round 5:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., including non-school days during the school year. For more information about Kingsland SACC please visit our website http://kingsland.k12. mn.us/page/2593.

All of the previously mentioned Kingsland programs are run through our Kingsland Community Education Department.

If you have any questions regarding these programs, please contact Kingsland Community Education Director Becky Bicknese at (507) 346-7276, ext. 4100 or bicknese. becky@kingsland2137.org.

Continued from Page 3

devoted themselves to strong, caring relationships with each child, adopted the latest approaches to keeping children’s learning on track, committed to daily activities and routines that help children learn, placed a focus on children’s health and safety. We were proud to announce this year in addition to our Big Day of Pre-K curriculum, we were able to add the 100 Book Challenge reading program for our preschoolers.

This program encourages every preschool student to read 500 books! At every 100 books read, the children are given a medal to recognize them for their accomplishment. With just one year of the program being implemented we have seen great strides in reading by our youngest learners!

Kingsland Preschool offers a variety of class options for today’s busy families. For children that will be entering kindergarten in the 2018-2019 school year, we offer 4/5 kindergarten prep classes.

Parents have the option of sending

“Your Community Banks for Generations!”

Serving you since 1856 www.rrsbchatfield.com

Serving you since 1901 www.fsbfountain.com

Mabel-Canton ECFE/Preschool

Early Childhood Screening • 504-493-5423 ext 127 For more information go to our website...

www.mabelcanton.k12.mn.us

24 Hour FastBank ATM Cash Machines at each Bank!

We have 4 Star We Wehave have 4 4Star Star Rating!

Rating!

Rating!

A 4 StAr HigH QuAlity ProgrAm For: PregnAnt women And cHildren birtH to 5 yeArS. **** A 4 Star High Quality Program for:

**** **** AAon44the Star Star High Quality Quality Program Program for: for: Our services focus entireHigh well-being of children and their families.

Children with special needs are welcome.

PREGNANT WOMEN AND Space is limited. Sign Up Today PREGNANT PREGNANTWOMEN WOMENAND AND

CHILDREN BIRTH TO 5 YEARS. It is Easy to CHILDREN do!CHILDREN BIRTH BIRTHTO TO55YEARS. YEARS. For more information,

Semcac Contact Center, Our services focusPreston on the entire well-being of children Our Our services services focus focuson onthe theentire entirewell-being well-being ofofchildren children 507/765-2761 or Every child Opportunity deserves aProvider Head Start! and their families.

Equal Visit our website: www.semcac.org and andtheir theirfamilies. families.

www.bccworks.com

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

- Nelson Mandela

21142 U.S. 52 Preston, MN

507-765-9805

Children with special needs are welcome.

Children Childrenwith withspecial specialneeds needsare arewelcome. welcome.

Space limited. our Signyouth!

Up Today—It is Easy to do!

Weissupport Space Spaceisislimited. limited. Sign SignUp UpToday—It Today—ItisisEasy Easyto todo! do!

For more information, For Formore moreinformation, information,

Semcac Contact Center, Preston Semcac SemcacContact ContactCenter, Center,Preston Preston 507/765-2761 or 507/765-2761 507/765-2761or or Visit our website: www.semcac.org Open Daily! 7am-9pm Visit Visitour ourwebsite: website: www.semcac.org www.semcac.org

507-346-2804 Every child deserves a Head Start!

Every Everychild childdeserves deservesaaHead HeadStart!

Start! 501 n. park Drive Spring Valley, mn Equal Opportunity Provider Equal EqualOpportunity OpportunityProvider Provider 507-867-4272

237 main St. north Chatfield, mn

Hours: Mon–Fri 8–5

www.kellyprintingandsigns.com info@kellyprintingandsigns.com

LEarn. EducatE. changE.

S & AWholesale Petroleum, Inc. Gas & Diesel

C-Stores Bulk Delivery Ph: 507-467-2121 • 507-467-2656 Fax: 507-467-3513 Office: 100 Sheridan West, PO Box 342 Lanesboro, MN 55949

We Su pport o u r yout preston Motor Mart h!

209 Kansas St NW, Preston, MN • 507-765-3330 Mabel bp

44 Hwy E, Mabel, MN • 507-493-5924

lanesboro Food Mart

100 Sheridan West, Lanesboro, MN • 507-467-2121

Houston bp Food sHop

Hwy 16 E, Houston, MN • 507-896-3000

www.sunshinefoodstores.com