Article Lessons Learned from Pandemic Pre-K
Kristen Poisson
When education as the world knew it was turned upside down in the spring of 2020, educators around the world had to act fast to creatively provide access to learning for students of all ages. In the world of early childhood education, the pandemic posed obstacles that challenged the basic fundamentals of how students learn and develop. There were many changes instituted in elementary and secondary schools across the country that simply would not work in the early childhood setting. Our young students need to move and play, often in close proximity to one another, in order to learn in a developmentally appropriate way. The perseverance and dedication of early childhood educators made the seemingly impossible possible and young children across the country continued their education in less orthodox ways. During a normal school year, the Bright Beginnings Center in Hopedale, Massachusetts looks like many other early childhood buildings across our nation. Typically, around 100 preschoolers between the ages of 2.9 to 5.5 years fill eight classes across the school day. As the early childhood program for the public school district, special education services, and evaluations are provided throughout the school year. Staff members know the importance of learning through play and using hands-on learning opportunities to promote a child’s development. 64
