Pre-K Campus Reopens to Give Early Learners a Solid Foundation

D id you know early childhood learning has long-term and wide-ranging benefits for young scholars by creating a solid foundation for future success — in the classroom and in life?

Access to early childhood education supports healthy development of a student’s social, emotional, and intellectual needs. It provides building blocks for educational achievement, economic productivity, responsible citizenship, lifelong health, strong communities, and successful parenting of the next generation.

Children who have access to early childhood education are less likely to repeat a grade level. They are better academically prepared for class. They are more likely to graduate from high school, go to college, and earn higher wages in their careers. They are better positioned to lead and advance as adults.

The research is clear, and that’s why DeSoto ISD is working hard to ensure that every child in the DeSoto and Glenn Heights communities has access to early childhood education in the district.

Currently, all the district’s Pre-K students are consistently soaring above the growth trends in the core subjects of math (92% above) and reading (85% above) based on recent assessments.

DeSoto ISD is strongly committed to ensuring our young scholars have an immersive environment conducive to preparing them for school. Therefore, the district is reopening its highly regarded pre-kindergarten campus, the Amber Terrace Discovery and Design Early Childhood Learning Center at 224 Amber Lane.

“Our Board has set goals for every scholar in DeSoto ISD that pertain to the student’s academic progress and experiences in the district,” said Dr. Usamah Rodgers, DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools. “When we look at trustees’ goals for early literacy and early numeracy, we, as administrators, understand the call to action to ensure that our youngest learners have access to high-quality, full-day instruction that will give them the foundation and advantage that they need and deserve for present and future success.”

From colorful, rich text walls, to activity stations complete with mini-libraries and buckets of manipulatives and lessons, the Pre-K campus is set up to engage DeSoto ISD’s early learners socially and academically. Our highly qualified staff uses a planned, purposeful play approach for their classes.

DeSoto ISD will continue to offer PreK-3 and PreK-4 Montessori classes, which give students and parents a personalized, student-led learning experience.

Montessori classes unveil the power of learning through play in education. Learning through play is essential, and it can help young children be ready for school, encourage their imagination, and help them with literacy and numeracy skills. Role-play games can help your child make sense of the world, as well as aid in their emotional and physical development. Outdoor play and nature encourages your child to learn about the world around them and develop their sensory skills.

DeSoto ISD Pre-Kindergarten teacher Natasha Neely embraces and believes in this approach to learning and has experience as an instructor in this environment.

“I wholeheartedly believe that children become lifelong learners through self-governed explorations of high-interest materials, hands-on engagement, and ample opportunities to cultivate their intrinsic need to learn,” Ms. Neely said. “I ensure that the learning environment is aesthetically pleasing and filled with numerous ways for children to explore concept skills in a self-corrective manner.”

In addition to the traditional early childhood learning spaces, the Amber Terrace campus will also have motor sensory labs and adaptive learning spaces. These stimulate a child’s sensory systems, support students who need to develop learning readiness skills, and enhances their ability to maneuver and function in their environment. This leads them to perform better in tasks such as handwriting, sitting still, paying attention, speaking, and behavior. The campus will also have learning spaces for nesting and special education classes to help address the needs of all of its early childhood learners.

The district’s Pre-Kindergarten campus, Amber Terrace Discovery & Design Early Childhood Academy is located at 224 Amber Lane in DeSoto. The district also participates in the Head Start Program.

Please complete an enrollment application at DeSotoISD.org/ departments/early_childhood_education

To complete the enrollment process for Early Childhood in DeSoto ISD, please bring the following items:

• Scholar’s birth certificate

• Scholar’s immunization record

• Scholar’s social security card

• Household utility bill, mortgage, or lease document confirming residence

Parent/guardian’s driver’s license or identification card

• Proof of income

Position your 3- or 4-year-old for long-term, life-long success and secure your child’s seat in a DeSoto ISD Early Childhood program.

For questions regarding choice applications, general enrollment, or selective enrollment in DeSoto ISD, visit DeSotoISD.org/ enrollment or call 972.223.6666.